You can fool the fans - but not the players.... John Cage

Springing forward in new shoes - a Kork-ease splurge

There was a time when this would have been no big deal. But over the last few years my shopping habits have really changed. There's nothing like going through the stress of credit card debt to slow a person down and rethink the whole shopping thing. And I do think that there is a process we go through as we get older that more accurately evaluates the value of things. Is it more important to have another shiny new item in the closet or on a shelf vs the peace of mind of knowing there is money in the bank?

That said, there is a time for splurging.

These shoes have been on my mind since I began shopping for our wedding. I saw them in red, I saw them in gray, I considered them for the wedding then discarded the idea since they are so tall. But still, I wanted them. And so, this spring, I bought them.

 

I had to hunt for them too - my first go-to place, Garnet Hill, was completely sold out. Next, I tried Nordstrom - no go. I went hunting online and ended up shopping at Piperlime for the first time. FAST! From the time I ordered them to the time I got them on my front porch in this little teeny town? 4 days.

 

Nice packaging, eh? Even the receipt was nicely done in that bright green envelope up in the upper right.

 

Kork-ease. The name recalls the heady 80s - but actually they've been around much longer, evidently from the 1950s! Those of us who remember the glory days of Fleetwood Mac remember Stevie Nicks clomping around stage in her classic Kork-ease shoes -

 

Of course I'm not into re-living the 80s but I can appreciate a brand that endures. RayBan, Levis, Coach... timeless but updated, fresh. These are a fresh take on a beloved style, the platform wedge.

 

They were like gloves for my feet. They fit perfectly. Lightweight, comfortable, tall.

I am so pleased with my spring shoes.

 

From stock designs to dreaming up your own....

First of all, many thanks to Natalie Chanin. I think it was about a year ago, maybe a little more, that I bought my first Alabama Chanin book and made a pincushion:

 

From there I made a corset top, then another corset top, and then a dress:

 

I bought a second book. I used the stencils that came with the books and I refered back to them time and time again for inspiration. I started following AC's tweets and blog. I was hooked.

This fall, I started thinking about a design of my own. I bought some yardage to make a dress, and then decided that it was too light for a dress (for me). I tend to drop things on white and cream colored pieces of clothing and a dress was a lot of fabric to quickly ruin. My plan morphed into another corset top. Nice, plain, and simple in the front with an intricate design like a tattoo on the back.

I had the stencil - I'd bought it at a thrift store some time ago and knew I'd find a use for it.

 

I had the fabric paint from some long-ago purchase and plan that never materialized...

 

Cut out the pattern, painted the stencil, and started stitching...

 

I love this hand sewing. I love watching the garment take shape under my hands and I like that it takes awhile. It becomes an addiction and when I have one of these in progress you can find me any evening with my needle, thread and something on the TV - sewing. It is a perfect winter evening activity.

 

And now - I can wear it!

 

I love these tops - only I have to remember to cut them a little higher in the neckline next time - for me they are a little low cut. But I just wear a cami underneath and it works out fine and one of these days I'll remember to cut it higher. Next time.

 

The cotton molds to your body and is supremely comfortable.

I'm going to have an entire wardrobe soon - I've got to turn my attention to some other designs - like a jacket or something (a completer piece, thank you Stacy London) since I also have a dress in the works.

This:

will turn into this (or something similar):

Photo found here.

Of course, I'll look just like this model!

 

Only three days until we break the no snow record....

I'm guessing we are right in there with Reno and this morning on KUNR I heard that if it doesn't snow this will be the driest December since 1883. That is a long time. It is becoming alarming.

 

You know, from reading this blog, that I am trying to focus on the positive aspects of a no-snow early winter and celebrating the sixty-degree days here in the valley and when I can, heading up to the myriad of skateable lakes in the Sierra. I imagine that is what people might have done in 1883 and since then when there's no snow to ski in, no snow to snowshoe in, and open roads to navigate.

 

We're heading back out this weekend - we celebrated Christmas and JC's birthday on the ice and we'll bring in the New Year on the ice. And hope against hope that it begins to snow soon. Then we can treasure this past month without the threat of drought over our heads.

 

These photos are all from google images and I wish I knew where they were shot and when, but I'm thinking I need to up my game on the ice. I've been wearing standard ski or snowshoe gear but when we go out this weekend I might just wear something more "ice-skaterish". 

 

Just google vintage ice skating... you'll see what I mean. Game on.

Hits and misses....

Whew! Something kicked into gear this afternoon and I was on a roll. Must have been the list I made yesterday while zoning out during a meeting... and the realization that JC will be home soon to reclaim the garage. Gotta get my projects out!

But first....

One of the things I love about thrift stores is that you just don't know what (if anything) you'll find. Sometimes I cruise through finding little to nothing but junk. Sometimes I feel like I've hit the lottery. Yesterday was a little bit of a thrill - not a lotto day - but certainly worthwhile.

Unlike the time before - when the misses outnumbered the hits by far. There were the Prana sweats that turned out too low cut and too high-water. What were they thinking when they designed those? I used to really like Prana clothes but either I'm getting too old or they are just getting funky. Funky in fit, funky in fabric, and waaaay too expensive. Got 'em home, tried 'em on and back into the thrift store pile they went. Miss.

And the belt with the buckle, keeper and tip that I just knew was silver. Got it home, tried to shine it up and discovered.... pewter. Sigh. Miss.

 

Hit! These are Dansko, size 8 and super cute. Some people shy away from second-hand shoes and I'm cautious... but several times I've found almost new, too good to pass up, finds. Swap out the insoles for some nice Dr. Scholls, spray them with tea tree oil and you are good to go. Plus, I wear socks. And I change them daily.

 

I've had Dansko clogs for years - bought them when I first started catering. They wear like iron and have a timeless style. These are the first Dansko flats I've had... we'll see how long I love them.

 

Even the soles are cute. And yes, I paid $8 for them... from the "pricey" thrift store.

 

The clincher... that darling turquoise button. Sigh.

 

The other hit. Brand new, tags still hanging on it... Cabi jacket. Blue ticking - so French. The details, so darling. The fit, very cute.

 

Love the back details. And the red "X"s on the band. Soooo cute.

 

Not lined, but seams are bound in a contrasting fabric.... I can't wait to wear this jacket. Often. Hit! Hit! Hit!

Still another find.... not one but two...

 

Again, very francois in a country house sort of way. Copper, hand-forged hooks. Hit!

Then, finally, two Boden tissue t-shirts, both in neutrals....

 

Course I wore one today and ruined it with spray paint and walnut stain. This is why I buy my clothes at thrift stores.

Anthopologie Fresno is looking for a design intern

 

Anthropologie Fresno has a little sign in the front entrance: "Design Intern Wanted. Must be able to receive college credit". If I lived there, I'd apply. I think it would be a great opportunity to work with very talented, creative, resourceful artists.

 

I rarely pass up an chance to visit an Anthropologie. And it isn't always to buy stuff although it is pretty hard to resist once you get in the door. The big reward is getting inspired.

Of course, I do want this mirror.

 

From big to little there are color combinations, fresh ideas, simple to complicated, most of them using very ordinary materials. It is the one of the best things to come along in retail. What better than to be inspired by the ordinary taken to the extraordinary? Who wouldn't want to be a part of that brand? I never mind spending money at Anthropologie since I most of the time feel like I am getting something huge for free everytime I walk in the door. And when I ask if I can photograph it is always "yes, of course".

 

There just aren't many brands out there like Anthropologie. It seems that the corporate philosophy embraces design and creativity as an intregal part of each and every storefront. It isn't cookie-cutter either. Each location is given freedom to explore the use of the current materials and concept. I'd jump at the opportunity to work in an environment like that. I'm sure there are egos to work around, but the benefits would be huge.

 

I'm on my way to Portland soon and it occurred to me that I haven't visited a Portland Anthropologie. We'll have to find one! We did visit a pretty neat antique mall last year that I'd like to get back to - and I recall some splendid displays there. I'm on such a budget this year I'm only taking one class, a letterpress class, and the rest of the time I'm going to be visiting with my sister, selling jewelry, and soaking up Portland.

 

Isn't this fabulous? T-shirt fabric. I absolutely love this and want to try it. Again, I'm thinking wedding. Do I have time? Can I pull it off? There's no sewing involved here - it is only a matter of cutting and pulling the strips to get them to curl. Cake.

Mill End Fabrics - here I come.

 

So many ideas, so little time.

 

If you live in Fresno, or you know someone living in Fresno, pass the word. I don't know what it is like to work for Anthropologie but how could you not give it a try if you are an artist? Of course the downside is trying to navigate the awful parking in that mall every day that you have to work.... I'd think that taking the bus might be the best option. And then we could go on and on about working in a mall - I worked one year for a Crate and Barrel.... what do you do for your lunch hour? There's no where to go but more retail.

 

Maybe Anthropologie offers a cool little break room for employees with as much care put into the vibe of that as the rest of the store. That'd be nice, eh?

Junkees (in Reno) yields wedding accessories

No trip to Reno is complete without stopping by Junkees these days... because you never know what you might find and you'll be inspired by the possibilities (and the displays).

 

Anthropologie has nothing on Junkees when it comes to store displays. I don't know if it is one amazing person or if there is a team of designers but just about every nook and cranny has an assemblage made of found objects.

 

It is a riot of color, texture and clutter; a burner's paradise.

 

And a sense of humor around every corner.

The dressing rooms each have a theme and when not in use appear like stage sets waiting for you to arrive to play your part...

And there is such attention to detail.

 

The collections are amazing - where does all this come from?

 

There's a clothing and accessory area and through another door is an antique mall with little, crammed cubbies and reasonable prices.

 

That's where we found my snow queen wedding accessories. DD bought me this little fur muff (the red flower will be replaced) and I bought the Sno-Belle pill box hat:

 

In pristine condition and with the original packaging - which was worth the price alone.

 

Snow queen, indeed. This is going to be fun!

 

Shiny, pointy, and how did they end up at the thrift store?

My niece and I had some fun at a local thrift store the other day.... someone had dropped off a truckload of leather, pleather, vinyl and platform shoes... change of heart, I guess. I've been known to sport a leather skirt - back in the day - but those days are long gone and these days it is rare to see me in anything but Wranglers and boots. OK, maybe some shorts since it is summer. And I bought a pair of leggings at Tonik in Mammoth the other day.

But I digress.

Up on the shoe rack were a line of platform boots and shoes - patent leather, black, white, super shiny, super tall, super pointy.

We pulled some down and I came home with part of my next Halloween costume:

 

Lady Gaga, anyone?

Coffee anyone?

The 1950s and 1960s had a certain style... I believe it is called mid-century... and coffee cups and saucers along with cocktail ware embody that style. I have two partial sets of coffee cups and saucers that I just love but haven't found a way to use yet. These are the more recently acquired set.

Nicely proportioned although obviously before we began drinking grande and vente coffees in the morning. Now we need mugs, not cups.

 

These are from the Cloud Nine collection.

Lovely to look at, now the challenge is finding a way to use them.

True confessions of a stacker

The house is staying pretty clean these days since the dogs and the man are up at the resort but without anyone else to blame for the clutter it has become even more apparent that I have some issues. Some stacking issues. I'm coming out right now, folks - I am a stacker of things.

I had a conversation recently with another artistic soul and we found we have much in common with each other and little in common with people who put things away. I like to see things. I like to see my art materials, my works in progress, my to-do list of things - I like it all out in the open. Unfortunately, when I can't get to everything very quickly (if at all) it makes for a very cluttered lifestyle.

Evidence:

 

Clothes stacked and draped on a chair next to my bed. I'll wear these again this week or put some things away but I haven't decided yet and meanwhile - they get stacked. So do books to read on the vanity.

 

Pillows for the chaise lounge are stacked inside our room - why? I can't remember how they ended up here but they are still here weeks later.

 

Working on my Photoshop class materials - stacking and spreading them on the office floor.

 

Camping sheets, towels and so on waiting for a storage container to appear so that I can store them in the garage without spiders and other scarey things getting to them. But they've been stacked here since, ummmmm, after Memorial Day? Shameful.

 

Mending - stacked on the sewing machine. I do get to this occasionally and the stack gets smaller, then I find other things that need mending and the stack grows again.

 

We don't have linen closets and I blame that for this... guest linens stacked on the twin bed downstairs in the art room. Clean, folded, and stacked. That's my style. My "issue".

 

I even stack collage elements - organized (sort of) and contained.... but stacked.

I'd like to be the type of person who can store everything neatly in drawers and behind doors but if I can't see it, if I have to go looking for it, if I have to find it before I can do it - the chances are I won't have the time.

 

I'm going to work on this, though. I'm going to try to only have stacks of stuff I'm actively working on. The rest - the projects that are waiting for me to have time for - they are going to have to be put away. The clutter makes me jumpy.

 

Are you a stacker? Or a filer? Are your clothes promptly put away? Or stacked and draped for awhile first?

 

They say the first step is to just acknowledge your "issue" and I've just publicly laid it all out there. Updates promised.

So.... are blogs yesterday's news now?

I just signed up for a tumblr account - the newest form of blogging (I guess) and as you can probably tell, I'm not entirely sold. I read that it is a newer, faster, better way of communicating short posts and that these long, rambling posts I tend to create are so yesterday. But I already use twitter, and that is limited to 140 characters,and tumblr seems so similar to twitter. Is everything moving towards these short, immediate bursts of sharing and away from the type of journaling writing I tend to do? Am I already obsolete? (I feel like Carrie typing away on her mac laptop right now as she contemplates what outrageous outfit she's going to wear and what pair of shoes to buy after she composes her next article. And about at the same level of life importance.)

Well, I'll keep posting here and who knows, maybe I'll end up migrating completely over to tumblr - maybe not. I occasionally glance at my journals, which I used to lovingly collage and sit and write in early each morning, those have for the most part been replaced by this. Sadly. Life is constantly changing and what you thought you'd never stop doing - writing, painting, baking, running - gets shoved aside for the next thing you are doing.

And what I've been doing, in the evenings while watching movies or back episodes of "Glee", is sewing. And I just finished my first Alabama Chanin dress.

 

Two layers of cotton knit - a grayish blue and a dark gray. The dress turned out to be completely reversible, giving me two dresses in one.

 

All hand stitched and with no embellishment, yet. I thought the first one should be plain so that I could check the fit and all before spending a lot of time with a stencil and more sewing. This fits so perfectly and is so comfortable that I will make another one - I think I want to make the inked and quilted dress from Alabama Studio Style:

 

I can't stop making these designs - they are truly addictive and satisfying to make - but I do need to STOP temporarily and start making flowers for the reception.

Anyway, back to the dress.

 

The hand stitching goes along quickly once you get into the groove - the only thing is that if you sew through an entire movie your fingers might get a little sore from pushing the needle through two (or more on the seams) layers of fabric. A thimble may be in order.

 

The neckline and arms holes are finished with a stretch stitch. I haven't ventured beyond this stitch, which I used in both my camisole tops. The thing I like best about this dress, which can also be a tank top or tunic, is that the neckline is cut a little higher and a little more modest than the camisole, which I am always hiking up when I wear one of them.

 

I now have a dress to wear when I sit outside and watch the parade of hummingbirds to the feeder. And I'm hoping to catch the oriole and the finch that are sipping from the hummingbird feeder - I see them occasionally but never have my camera around at the right time.

 

I fill this daily now and I suppose I should be filling the other one that is in a less convenient location for me because these little guys and gals are going through the sugar water. And always competing for it.

 

They are not bothered by my presence - in fact this morning when I went to hang the freshly filled feeder I still had a hand on it and a hummingbird was busy drinking from it!

 

They don't stay all summer so I'd best enjoy the show while it lasts. In my new, hand-sewn, reversible dress!