I’m not sure what’s more shocking about these necklaces…
The sheer amount of stuff on them…
The fact that there’s been more than one made of each type…
The price tag…
Or that the $564 is almost entirely sold out.
Hmm…maybe I’ll do a DIY? I have no clue where I’d wear it tho…
xoxox
Carly
Yes, this is what I believe Heaven looks like. (Well, it would have some fabrics too. And some sewing machines. And people at said sewing machines to do my bidding, hehe.)
M&J Trimming is like heaven for people who love embellishments. Everything you could imagine…from studs to pailettes to sequins to ribbons to trim to iron-on rhinestones to embroidered appliques to buttons. Yum. Check it out if you are in the New York area at 1008 6th Ave, New York, NY (click to see the map on Google Maps). You can also order online at mjtrim.com.
And, I managed to stop by Zara while I was in the city. (I’m sure most of you have probably been to a Zara before, but Portland has no Zara, so I’ve been sadly deprived..I’ve only been to the one in Tokyo!) Here are some of my picks from this chic boutique (and some DIY ideas??):
I liked the detail in this bag’s straps.
Okay – different-colored of denim mixed in together is definitely IN for Spring!
I could have just bought two embroidered/studded appliques at M & J Trimming and added some chain to an old tank.
Love the innovative folding on the shoulders of this blouse.
Taupe sweatshirt with nailhead detail. Totally doable with iron-ons.
I normally don’t like things with tassels but thought these were inexplicably adorable – like little mustaches for the feet!
Zipper-edged saddle bag.
See anything you like?
xoxo
Carly
It’s a handmade extravaganza!
What I wore Wednesday, Feb. 17 while in New York for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
On this day I headed to the Upper East Side (at least, I think that’s where I was) to go to The Daily Beauty Bar and got a free half-hour massage. The masseuse found a golf-ball sized knot in my shoulder where I had been carrying my laptop bg – and whenever she put pressure on it – it crunched. Ugh. I think the massage did me some good but then I still had to sling on my heavy bag of equipment after it was done. Oh well. I stopped in at Zara and lusted after a lot of things, even trying on a striped shirt that I’m going to totally DIY in a little while…and headed back to the Bryant Park area. Bought my White Hot Chocolate Cupcake at Crumbs, bought a few things at STEPS boutique (I had only snapped photos the other day there, not stopping to try anything on), and then back to my hotel room to enjoy my cupcake. Changed in a flash to this outfit for a meeting with the Bluefly America’s Most Stylish Blogger team. I showed them my mini-collection and got some very valuable feedback!
Necklace is oversized acrylic resin beads strung on delicate silver chain. Top is peach bubble organza mesh with grosgrain ribbon snap-front and covered shoulder pads. Belt is peach bubble organza mesh over clear vinyl backing, edged in khaki twill with removable gold chain. Skirt is wrap-style in nude chiffon over rose-print poly satin.
Then back to the hotel room and changed again for the evening to this outfit:
I couldn’t wait to take my new jacket from STEPS for a spin. It’s the cutest thing ever-the front pieces can not only be removed, but also buttoned in different configurations. I’m going to add some buttons so they can be buttoned into a high collar configuration. The jacket had the most incredible detail – thick ribbing; belts on the wrists; and quilting – it was such a bargain at $36.99.
Vintage fanlacing corset bout on Ebay for about $34. The only way I’ll wear it is over my clothes! I can’t believe women of yesteryear actually wore this heavy, buckled, strapped thing under their garments. Insane.
I then stopped by M&J Trimming and picked up some studs (can’t WAIT to use them in a new project!), then checked out H&M, snapped some photos, and even picked myself up a damaged sweater for a small discount. (nice!) Then out to the Lower East side for the disappointing c. marchuska show, then back to the park to meet up with a friend from last Fashion Week briefly.
Carly
Samantha Pleet showed her A/W Collection last Tuesday, Feb 16, as part of The Green Shows Collective. To a small studio venue in the Lower East side we tromped, despite the slowly melting slush, and were packed into the small space to view a short presentation of muted plaids, short-shorts, and exquisitely-cut body-hugging dresses.
Sorry for the quality of these photos; these are Elle.com’s photos [in need of heavy color-correction] since I could not find anything on any of the “official” image sources on the web for this particular show…goes to show you Samantha Pleet is still considered a bit “under the radar” by mainstream fashion. Well, at least these photos are better than the cruddy ones I took on my Blackberry!
Um, yeah. Much better.
I also interviewed Samantha Pleet herself.
She’s so cute I could just put her in my pocket.
Here’s the transcribed version:
Me: Do you want to talk a little bit about how you incorporate eco-friendly design into your pieces?
Samantha Pleet: I love helping the Earth and I do anything I can…my whole lifestyle revolves around eating organic food, sourcing local fabrics, producing everything here in New York in the garment district. I just want my company to be as ethical as possible. It’s really important to me and my lifestyle.
Me: Why do you think it’s important, when you produce clothing, to do it in an ethical manner?
SP: I like to have my hand in everything, and I have a relationship with my factory, and I know that people are treated fairly there; they’re kind of my friends, so I think that having a company, it’s great to be aware of what you’re doing with it. And I think every designer should be an ethical designer. You don’t have to make things that look “eco,” really, to do that. You can make any silhouette. I mean, my collection is not typically looking “eco,” but I use organic wools from Vermont, organic cottons for everything, and I love the feel of it…recycled ultrasuede, this is really cool.
Me: So what kind of woman wears your clothes?
SP: I think a woman that is a creative woman; a Renaissance Woman. People who are creative, are artists, who want to conquer the world in a fun way.
Me: Any advice on how to get that Samantha Pleet look to your outfit or your style?
SP: Watch a lot of movies, like a lot of fantasy films, and you’ll get the inspiration! As you can see, I used the David Lynch music, which is kind of sexy and soulful and has this really special feeling to it, which is really dramatic and brought out a lot of the emotion in my collection. finis
Samthana Pleet also designs a menswear line with her husband Patrick, as well as Rapscallion, a line exclusive to Urban Outfitters. The brand, found in 2006, received a 2009 Ecco Domani sustainability design award for the premiere collection of Bodkin. Samantha Pleet is sold online at stores such as I Don’t Like Mondays, Bona Drag, and Revolve Clothing, as well as better boutiques nationwide, in Tokyo, and in Taipei. (Can you believe the designer is only 27??)
What do you think of her pieces? Would you wear any of them?
xoxox
Carly
photos source
metalliferous is a jewelry supply store located near Bryant Park in New York City. It’s a little hard to find, the outside being so nondescript and such, but it is indeed a gem in the rough.
The list of tenants inside the doors to the building, on the wall. The store is located on the second floor.
The place is as well-organized as it can be, considering, but it’s still a virtual rabbit’s warren of jewelry components, beads, findings, tools, chemicals, and raw materials.
Boxes upon boxes…shelves upon shelves…selving unit upon shelving unit…stuff crammed in any available space…you get the idea.
I had a flashback to that library opening sequence from Ghostbusters.
How do you find anything here? Well, you gotta look. I wouldn’t term the staff particularly pleasant, but they are certainly knowledgeable when asked. Is it possible to be unpleasant but helpful?
I wish I had had more time to truly browse, because even in my quick perusal I spotted many components that I had seen in other jewelry (selling on Etsy, in affordable small boutiques – even in Justin Giunta’s line Subversive!!), and my mind was beginning to get overcrowded with ideas both to DIY and original creations.
If you are in the New York area, I really hope you guys have a chance to go – it truly is a haven for those who like to make jewelry or craft pieces.
They also have an online store (and mail order available) if you are not able to make the trip to their brick-and-mortar location.
metalliferous, 34 W 46th St, New York, NY (212) 944-0909 map it
Definitely check it out if you have the chance!
xoxox
Carly
Some ideas for a Spring/Summer wardrobe:
Mixed Stitch Tunic, $88 Modern Geo Earrings, $28
Pyramid Stud Bag, $98
= Downtown Cool
Strapless Bubble Dress, $130 Round Oversized Sunglasses, $65
= Cocktail Fabulous
Military Fleece Blazer, $98 Silk Harem Pant, $98
Layered Eagle Necklace, $28
= Casual Friday
Shard Necklace, $38 Utility Romper, $98
Open Stitch Footless Tights, $24
= Hot Date
That Mixed-Stitch Tunic above is so calling my name.;-)
xoxox
Carly
Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
