Spy Girl

365 project update

2012-02-22T07:25:00.001-08:00

If you're my contact on Facebook (personal, not SpyGirl page), Instagram, Twitter (@annembray) or Pose, you have been getting the daily feed of my 365 project: "365 Days of Jewelry" If not, and you were hoping to see it on Flickr, um, sorry about that -- I'm WAY behind on my Flickr uploading.

I just took a bunch of screenshots from Pose, thinking I'd do a big recap for the however many days [I'm not counting] I've been at it. I changed my mind -- it would make this post gigantic. Here are the most recent five days:

Some thoughts I have about Pose and my process on this project:

Pose:
The app is still very clunky. HATE that I can't delete misfires (see upper earring shot that I accidentally tagged as a "romper" and then accidentally hit the done button. I ran into a room with no phone coverage - not difficult at my house! - so that it wouldn't upload but it uploaded at work anyway. Grrrrr). Tagging items is difficult with my fat fingers and slow 3G phone service. Wish it was available for iPad. Uploads are not all in chronological order. I will carry on using it, despite all this. Maybe it'll improve during the course of the year...

iPhone photography:

I got a macro lens that I absolutely adore and that's very helpful for capturing tiny items and details on rings. I wish there was a lens for close-but-not-macro (and if you know of one, please share!). A lot of the bracelets and larger pins + earrings are out of focus. On work days, it's still dark in the morning, so the images have suffered from low contrast. Sometimes I process the images in the PS Express app though that sometimes backfires, making things too pixellated.

Aesthetics + process:
My jewelry styling is improving, it's been a good learning process. The best part of this, BY FAR, is going through my piles of jewelry and scarves! I've been cruising down memory lane big time -- I'm on the memory interstate! Most of my backgrounds are scarves, textiles or objects from the shops, locations or era of the jewelry piece. I see a whole bunch of blog posts fomenting. With the ethnic pieces, I've been trying to research their origins. I recently shot a necklace on a mudcloth textile, thinking they were both from Mali and then discovered that the necklace is from a tribe in northern Kenya. Oops! Scrap that one... here's the shot I won't use:

In summery, so far, so good.
I'll update you again in a month or so...

Style the eShakti Skirt for Patti @ NotDeadYet Style

2012-02-21T06:27:00.002-08:00

Style the eShakti Skirt for Patti @ NotDeadYet Style by anne-m-bray
On the left is how I would wear it, with garments that I have [except for scarf].
On the right is a more civilized approach.

Patti's link wearing this skirt

Paul Smith Black Label black top
$99 - coggles.com

H M longsleeve shirt
£7.99 - hm.com

eShakti - Shop Women’s designer fashion dresses, tops| Size 0-26W...
$50 - eshakti.com

We Love Colors microfiber tight
$15 - welovecolors.com

We Love Colors tight
$15 - welovecolors.com

Valentino floral scarve
$1,420 - net-a-porter.com

Amazon.com: BC Footwear Women's Outerspace Ankle Boot: Shoes
$90 - amazon.com

Blue Clog [clog-blue] - $89.00 : Dala Clogs, Clogs for all!
$89 - clogs4u.com

Austin Advent -- Hey Cupcake!

2012-02-21T05:46:00.000-08:00

South Congress has a lot of great shopping. I suggest that you fortify yourself with a cupcake first! Hey Cupcake! is housed in an airstream that is parked at the 1600 block on So Congress. (see their site for other locations).

(my cupcake flipped over on the table and got punk frosting)

It was many cupcakes ago when I last had a Hey Cupcake...
(three years ago, now that I calculate it).
In the deep dark recesses of my memory, my vanilla/vanilla was large, sweet and delicious.

Sweet tip: get on their mailing list and get a free cupcake voucher!

Muted Monday

2012-02-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

I'd say this is pretty low-key for me:

same dress as last week, same tights in different colorway:

not to mention different scarf, outerwear and shoes!
more visible monday here

[a few hours later]

(pantone app screenshot)

I've been sitting with these tights all day and I've come to the conclusion that I can tolerate that mauve color as an accent way down on my legs but I want it nowhere near my face. So, if there's a color that you want to try, without a heavy cash outlay, you might consider trying it out on your legs. A great resource for colored tights is We Love Color -- they stock a rainbow of colors (I haven't worn them yet so can't comment on the quality).

Austin Advent -- Threadgill's

2012-02-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hungry yet? In the mood for some Southern comfort food? Go to Threadgill's!
301 West Riverside Dr, Austin, 78704, 512-472-9304

corn muffins

I ate: grilled tilapia, cheesy grits, stewed okra

he ate the beige dinner:
chicken fried steak with gravy, cheesy grits, butter beans

We are especially fond of the cheesy grits, as you can see - we both order it for one of our sides so that we don't have to share.
You CAN cook the grits at home -- I found the recipe in Blue Plate Specials & Blue Ribbon Chefs, by Jane and Michael Stern. There is also an official Threadgill's Cookbook [looks like both are out of print].
Here is a scan of the recipe:

click on images to see bigger
my notes are for a stovetop version

Austin Advent -- The Driskill Hotel

2012-02-18T08:12:00.001-08:00

Someday, when I'm rich and famous,
I'll stay at the Driskill Hotel,
604 Brazos St. Austin, Texas 78701

It was built in 1886 as the showplace of cattle baron Jesse Driskill. Check out the lobby, even if you can't check in!

love the carpet!

Austin Advent -- Jon Dee Graham

2012-02-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

Finally, some Austin music!

Jon Dee Graham is a "local legend" they say. You can usually find him Sunday nights at the Continental Club. (I hope to see him this March). I don't remember when I first saw him perform... it was during a SXSW when our friend Rafael backed him on drums. From the opening strains of "Way Down In the Hole" he had me hooked.

Most of the videos on YouTube are "rough" fan recordings of gigs (which give you a good idea what his performances are like). Here's a more subdued one with the studio version of "One Moment" accompanied by a slide show:

"Faithless" live at The Continental Club, SXSW 2011:

He has a catalogue of 8 albums and I think they're all great.
Mark Finkelpearl made the documentary "Swept Away" on Jon Dee in 2008.
Here's a taste:

Where In the World: Work

2012-02-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

click on images to see bigger

cobalt love
want to know details about garments?
ask me in comments!


like my heart "pin"? I made it out of blue painter tape!! I HEART blue tape!

What about the blue drips in the Instagram? you ask...
It's a print I'm working on (at work)
that I'll post on my Pattern blog soon (next week hopefully).

Austin Advent -- Austin Country Flea Market

2012-02-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

It's epic:

photo source + info

Located on US290, 5 mi east of I-35, open on Saturday + Sunday, 10am-6pm.

Live bands!
Food!
Souvenirs!
Hats!
Clothing!
Treasures!

Here are some items that I got there
[if I remember correctly]:

sweetheart pin

very cheap vacu-formed madonna
with foil garland + lights

the last supper with glitter

3-in-1 shadow box
AND

it lights up!

Seeing Red and Pink

2012-02-14T20:08:00.006-08:00

Am I going to stop posting pictures of me in the pink Tibetian shawl [we have determined it's a shawl] and scarf?
No, get used to it. EVERYTHING seems to be matching them.
Barbie could have told me, if I'd only listened:
It's all about the pink.

PMS 232 is Barbie Pink

Here's some fabric intended for Barbie
that I never used
it's a gorgeous silk chiffon with
satin and silver lurex stripes
I "liberated" it when I left the job.

Hope you had a great V-day!

This outfit was inspired by Everybody, Everywhere
See more Pink Ladies here

Austin Advent -- The Grackles

2012-02-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

Crawck! What is that horrible racket? What are those big scary iridescent black birds?
They are Great-tailed Grackles and they are the Punks of the bird kingdom. Pray that you haven't booked a room that is near a "grackle tree" -- you will get NO sleep.

What do they look like?

Now imagine a bunch of these... worse than those crows on the playground in The Birds! OK, maybe not.

I thought I had a picture of them [I seem to be missing photos from a few Austin trips] but all I have is this:

see them? no?
me either!
look below:

still can't see them?
click on images to see bigger

I wish I had a recording of their raucous calls, but no. Now that I have a smart phone, maybe I can capture them in all their Bad Bird glory. Meanwhile, if you want to learn more, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has a very informative article about them that includes sound and video.

Big RED

2012-02-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

Here I am, twirling in my big red coat:

and here's the shortest twirl ever, even with slo-mo:

I designed, draped, and sewed this coat in 1987. Read more about the it here.
I'm also wearing some Norma Kamali tights from the 80s. They are 100% nylon with no spandex. They are very uncomfortable. I removed them post-haste after the twirl.

This is part of the Bloggers Do It Better series, hosted by Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly. Check out some more ladies in RED here.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Raging Pink

2012-02-13T20:52:00.001-08:00

why I have become enamored
with Barbie pink,
I have no idea

stand out! visible mondays here

Austin Advent -- The Boiling Pot

2012-02-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

Ready for some seafood? Go to The Boiling Pot!
700 East 6th Street * Austin, Texas 78701 * 512-472-0985

We go to The Boiling Pot every time that we visit Austin.

what time is it?

oyster time!

behind the wall of boil

yum! crawfish, sausage, potatoes, and corn

My Polyvore: Shake It Up

2012-02-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

Shake up fruity flourescents with cobalt and stripes. Add zest from a 60s abstract floral and have a New Wave cocktail for Spring 2012.

Shake It Up by anne-m-bray

J Crew three quarter sleeve dress
£90 - net-a-porter.com

Crumpet cashmere top
$475 - net-a-porter.com

Obesity and Speed long top
$162 - alexandchloe.com

Dorothy Perkins pink top
$14 - dorothyperkins.com

Christopher Kane jersey tee
$190 - net-a-porter.com

Giambattista Valli georgette top
£175 - flannelsfashion.com

J.Crew twill jeans
$108 - jcrew.com

Happy Socks printed socks
$36 - revolveclothing.com

We Love Colors tight
$15 - welovecolors.com

We Love Colors pink hosiery
$15 - welovecolors.com

We Love Colors tight
$15 - welovecolors.com

We Love Colors microfiber tight
$15 - welovecolors.com

Black and white tight
$20 - topshop.com

Canvas shoes
$138 - nastygal.com

High heel shoes
$60 - modcloth.com

Houndstooth scarf
$9.99 - shoestation.com

Chan luu scarf
$195 - net-a-porter.com

American Vintage wrap scarf
£45 - the-dressingroom.com

Blue Clog [clog-blue] - $89.00 : Dala Clogs, Clogs for all!
$89 - clogs4u.com

60s shift
tumblr.com

graffiti shaker
lostateminor.com

This is my third Polyvore board and my first that I edited directly in the site. Yes, very addictive! The best part was finding the cocktail shaker that looks like a Krylon spray can - can't get more 80s than that! [I found it from a Google image search for "new wave cocktail shaker" Then had to do an additional search on the site I got linked to.]
I got the "design assignment" from Wiseling. You can join in too!

Austin Advent -- The Corner Shoppe Mall

2012-02-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

The Corner Shoppe Mall, on the way north side of town (5900 N Lamar Blvd, 78752) is a taxidermy shop. You have been warned!

In 2000, a ratty stuffed lion greeted you
as you drove by on Lamar.
I was actually lured by the smiley face flag
(You can see it on the far left. Yes, I purchased it).

After you park, you will see an array of cow skulls.

Here, Robbie demonstrates that,
yes indeed, the horns are SHARP!

I would love to mount a set of horns on the front of my Prius, the way they do in Mexico on trucks. Maybe I'd get more respect on the freeway!

Inside, there is all sorts of stuff. It's been 11 years since I've been - I can't even remember! Cowhide almost anything - rugs, boots, belts, footstools... Snake items, including whole stuffed snakes. Tarantulas and scorpions in resin. Desire deer heads or antlers? I'm sure they have them. Various taxidermied critters, some quite, um, old and worse for wear. If you've done some hunting in one of those places in the Hill Country, they will mount your trophy for you.

Here is the cowhide belt that I still have.

Austin Advent -- Bats at the Congress Street Bridge

2012-02-08T07:44:00.001-08:00

Another time-sensitive activity: watching the bats emerge at dusk at the Congress Street bridge. Alas, no bats in March. Why not? In early March, they are still hibernating. Lazy bats.

the blur in the middle is bats

yes. stand on the bridge, like these people.

if you stand below the bridge...
BRING AN UMBRELLA!
do I need to explain why?

Here is some verbiage from the Video City Guide

About Congress Bridge Bats Austin

The Congress Avenue Bridge spans Town Lake in downtown Austin and is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. The colony is estimated at 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats. Each night from mid-March to November, the bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk to blanket the sky as they head out to forage for food. This event has become one of the most spectacular and unusual tourist attractions in Texas. The most spectacular bat flights are during hot, dry August nights, when multiple columns of bats emerge. There are several points from which to view the event, and an information kiosk is located on the north bank of the river, just east of the bridge.
More - caution! link has audio!!!

My Polyvore: Love Is the Drug I'm Thinking Of

2012-02-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

click on image to see bigger

ModCloth is hosting a contest that, surprise!, landed me on Polyvore.
We were asked to style an outfit with the peach lace dress as the base and using a preselected array of items. It was done on the ModStylists page on Facebook
This is my 2nd entry:

Love Is the Drug I'm Thinking Of by anne-m-bray

Button cardigan
$70 - modcloth.com

Bright colored socks
$8.99 - modcloth.com

Platform heels
$60 - modcloth.com

Genuine leather handbag
$30 - modcloth.com

Poetic License magnetic jewelry
$18 - modcloth.com

Irregular Choice heart jewelry
$25 - modcloth.com

Filigree earrings
$14 - modcloth.com

Floral scarf
$25 - modcloth.com

More details, from the Facebook page:
The ModStylists are asking you to show your skill at assembling lovely looks in the first ever Style It & Win It Contest!
Between 9 a.m. PT on 2/6 and 3 p.m. PT on 2/13, use the Polyvore mini editor above to create a swoon-worthy outfit using the featured peach dress and the variety of V-Day-themed items provided.
Two runners-up will each receive a $75 gift certificate, and a grand prize winner will receive a $100 dollar gift certificate, and the featured frock, plus their outfit will be worn by a ModStylist and included in the images on the featured frock’s product page, with credit for the ensemble given to its stylist!
You still have time to join in!

Austin Advent -- Austin Spice Company

2012-02-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Let's talk hot sauce.

our favorite Austin brand: Austin Spice Company

If you happen to be in Austin in the fall, there is an annual Chili Cook-Off and Festival, where you can sample many many chili sauces, both home made and commercial. I know, that is no help if you're going to Austin in March.

Tears of Joy
618 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78701
circa 2000

Tears of Joy, on 6th Street, is a great place to find (and sometimes sample) all sorts of sauces and other chili pepper related items.

What Severo and I like to do is check the super market HEB first, because they have the best prices. Then we check Whole Foods. THEN we go to Tears of Joy.

Austin Advent -- Quack's 43rd Street Bakery

2012-02-06T08:26:00.000-08:00

Did you know I'm going to the TxSC fashion conference in Austin, TX next month? You didn't? I am!
SpyGirl's first conference! In one of her favorite cities! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!

> deep breath <

In anticipation, I'm going to create an online advent "calendar" with posts every day about my favorite places in Austin. These will run in no particular order. Shopping, food, landmarks... whatever brings me fond memories of the city.

Let's start with Quack's Bakery:
on the north side of town (map) 411 E. 43rd St. • Austin, TX • 78751

great coffee, great baked goods
and probably free wi-fi

the salty oat cookie:
we get a dozen to take home + freeze

colossal lemon merengue cupcakes
there is lemon curd inside

Quack's makes the best lemon bars too

Layer Up - Dress over Pants

2012-02-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

I was wearing this look back in the 60s!

Didn't wear this on Saturday
for the final day of the Layer Up challenge.
Am planning this for flight to Austin in March --
it's close to what I wore flying home from NYC
a couple of weeks ago.
Very comfortable and not too schlubby,
judging from these photos.

Here you can see the dress over the pants clearly.
I might remove the side seam pockets --
they look stupid and I don't use them.

Thus concludes a week of another fun fashion challenge from Megan and Keely. I think the Tues LACMA outfit was my favorite. Or is it Monday's? No, wait, Thursday's! Which one do you like best?
Here's a visual recap of the week:

The Ladies who Layer

Layer Up - Jacket over Cardigan

2012-02-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

Too much.
Even for me!


Found this giant cardigan and it was SO comfy!

It was such a warm day,
I ended up ditching the jacket
and using a blue scarf instead.
Gotta love SoCal winter weather.

The Ladies who Layer

Layer Up - Sleeveless over Sleeve

2012-02-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

Thursday's layering challenge was supposed to involve a vest. I don't own any vests, but since vests are sleeveless, I did sleeveless layering. I'm also starting to road test outfits for the TxSC bloggers' conference in Austin in March. So looking forward to that! We have our flights, our room and a car booked. Yee-ha!

The Ladies who Layer

Layer Up - Long over Long

2012-02-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

a very odd outfit
the mix of colors and patterns
gave me great joy
but not comfortable
and not warm enough for the office

more Layering Ladies here

Where In the World: LACMA // Layer Up: Cropped over Long

2012-02-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

click on images to see bigger

Layer Up:
rayon/silk Tibetan scarf
tee from work
Desigual skirt
poly chiffon skirt that I made

Deborah and I had a field trip to LACMA to see the Rodarte / Fra Angelico "exhibition"
LACMA sure mislead us in their promotional materials on this one! I thought it was going to be the entire Sp/Sum 2012 collection (which Rodarte is donating to the museum). NOT. It was a few pieces in the middle of the Italian Renaissance gallery, with nary a Fra Angelico to be seen. Sheesh. Of course couldn't take photos of the gowns and I came prepared with a sketchbook. A very very tiny sketchbook. Oops. (It was so cute when I saw it at Staples).

did more sketches, but they are TOO SMALL
I can hardly tell what things are myself

after studying the gowns,
we looked at the pieces on the walls
GREAT STUFF!
had no memory of all the patterns and texture
on the art of this era
we are going to return with our better cameras --
only had the iPhone

Sevres
we then scoured the 3rd floor for more eye candy
and wound up in the Decorative Arts section
sometimes this stuff is too over the top for me,
but it was perfect for our mood at the time

More "Layer Up" ladies here

Layer Up - Short over Long

2012-01-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

It's another week of mixing things up in a new way from Keely and Megan. This time it's all about LAYERING. Today is "short sleeve over long" Usually I don't do this -- reminds me too much of 90s grunge. Gave it a try, was OK with it until I spilled yogurt all over the tee. Oops.

To see other interpretations on this, go over to Megan's page here. There, you will also find directions on how to join in. Come on, it's FUN!

Oh, and it's Visible Monday already

Where In the World: San Diego

2012-01-29T05:46:00.000-08:00

click on images to see bigger

here I am backstage:
pink poncho from Williamsburg
Sev's stripe tee IT IS NOW MINE
Von Dutch flaming board shorts from 90s
cobalt tights
black knee socks + clogs

Nada Surf: Matthew, Daniel, Doug, Ira
the nicest guys!

Ah, the benefits of having a rock star boyfriend -- his musician friends and their gigs! This was at 4th & B in San Diego, a cavernous space that used to be a bank.
I am a huge fan of Nada Surf. They've got a new album out - The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy. It's GREAT. Go get it!

The plot thickens...

2012-01-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

Because I'm busy procrastinating on my Fashion Icon series, I found a really fun project that I'm going to embark upon. It's a weekly postcard challenge, based on Nick Bantock's Griffin & Sabine books.

Step one ...create 2 characters, and 2 addresses.
now they can be 2 guys, 2 women, a man and a woman, 2 kids, 2 old people...whatever you want. the address can be anywhere in the world as long as they are fictitious. All you need to start with is a name for each person and an address for each person

SpyGirl, as an international fashion correspondent for... have to decide on a magazine
Thrilla, awesome bassist for The Smithereens (true) on a world tour (fiction)

Step two... cut out 52 postcards. You can use whatever you want, plain card, textured card, patterned card, watercolour paper...whatever you want, as long as they are 6inches x 4 inches.
If you wish to join in every week you will need 52, you may only want to join in fortnightly, or even monthly in which case you need less cards.

Guess what I have...

a box of international postcards!
AND
a huge pile of antique cards, mostly of British scenes
(maybe Thrilla is recording in England vs world tour...
I'm figuring this out AS I TYPE)

This seems to tie in nicely with the fake wedding that I posted about yesterday. Maybe this is the communication that leads up to it? Have more of the story to figure out, obviously. Stay tuned! I've got three weeks to work on already... more procrastination!
(Not that finding distraction is ANY sort of problem for me)

If you want to read more about the Postcard Challenge, click on over to Darcy's site

I heart Him

2012-01-27T06:43:00.000-08:00

In working on a Modcloth Pinterest challenge, I have determined the theme for my journal during April's Int'l Fake Journal Month!
Shhhh, don't tell Thrilla - he'll get all twitchy.

You can see my secret mission on my Pinterest

BTW, doing a fake journal is a hoot. Less pressure than a "real" journal. It's how I became SpyGirl, so I'm all for it. See all the details on fake journaling here on Roz's site.

Crazy for Cobalt

2012-01-27T05:46:00.001-08:00

all my cobalt and sapphire garments
plus the blue tape
and the tangerine tango sketchbook

Katy, of ModlyChic, asks about the new spring trends:
1. What are you coveting?
Anything COBALT. I was ready to love "Tangerine Tango" but I'm all into the cobalt.

2. How do you incorporate new trends into your wardrobe?
I make the old new

3. What trend are you seeing and not loving?
Nothing comes to mind... yet

4. Do you feel the pressure to constantly update your closet with the latest trends?
Nope. I dig around in my piles and usually find something that works.

5. Where do you find inspiration that takes the trend and makes it accessible to you and your personal taste?
From my fellow bloggers!

I saw a lot of cobalt on my recent trip to NY.
Perhaps it was Giants fever.

orange and blue dots in Williamsburg

the stairs in Uniqlo, 34th St

a boutique in Soho

even the Empire State got COBALT

Find links for other responses here

Good Morning Starshine

2012-01-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

yesterday's outfit:

Where In the World: NYC

2012-01-26T05:05:00.000-08:00

click on images to see bigger

maybe not the "best... cakes"
but the best hot chocolate that I've ever had


underneath the fun fur it's a Kum & Go tee (Colorado) new Desigual skirt new ribbed tights new Uniqlo knee socks the K&G carry bag was Sev's (holding a tupperware for exporting treats) we laughed at the coincidence

All I can say is thank goodness for the knee-length fun fur coat. I admit I bought the skirt too small -- but I HAD to have it and HAD to wear it. It drifted up to my ribcage over the course of the day. If it hadn't been for the coat, my butt would have been hanging out as I rode the 1 train to meet my pal Kim on the upper west side. The coat generously hid this fact. I made wardrobe adjustments once I got up to the restaurant.

More about the Choco Bolo experience over on the Glutton, when I get to it.
[Yelp link says it's closed. WHAT??? We were just there!]

Where In the World: DFW

2012-01-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

click on image to see bigger

Not your typical Winter Wear

2012-01-23T21:06:00.000-08:00

It rained today, which is "Winter" on the West Side of LA
I unearthed my water "resistant" J Crew barn coat
and ski-boot style Fornarinos

Totally forgot about the "Visible Monday" thing --
wearing brights just comes naturally!
Today, a pink/red/black story.

Go check out how other IFBers spiced up their winter looks!

In the Pink

2012-01-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

Greetings from New York!

Here is my new pink poncho (Tibetan store in Williamsburg), new argyle tights (Sockman, St Mark's Pl) pink zebra mini purse (Hot Topic, Santa Monica) styled with... my nightgown!
I'm staying at a European-style hotel, which means a shared bathroom. (2 bathrooms for 15 rooms per floor). It's also NYC radiator hot in the room, cool in the hall. My new poncho is the perfect thing to throw on when I need to run to the bathroom. The tights and shoes I've left on since going out to breakfast this morning. To much effort to remove and redon.

Now I'm about to go back out, so I'll get back into my knit dress that I'm wearing all weekend, pull up my over-the-knee socks, winterize with new pink scarf (same Tibetan store)

black fun fur coat, and hat, stripe bag + fingerless gloves which don't co-ordinate but "whatever" -- it's 30 degrees out there.

Fashion Icon - Erin

2012-01-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

erin. phase one on portrait

Cobalt and Lime

2012-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Meet my new color obsession: COBALT!
Today, I paired it with lime and neon yellow.

I saw this sweater last Thursday on sale at Nordstrom's.
Thought about it all weekend.
Snagged it Monday after work.
Happy.

Yes, green socks!

Visible Monday - Standing Out from the Crowd

2012-01-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

inspired by my Betsey Johnson tights...

I got colorful!

I'm wearing a roll of blue tape for the photos because
I love blue tape. Blue tape is the new duct tape.

Visible Monday is the brainchild of Not Dead Yet Style.
Go on over there and take a gander at more boldness.

Threads and Surfaces: Anne the Spygirl

2012-01-15T20:25:00.000-08:00

pp2-3 of Threads and Surfaces sketchbook for ArtHouse
can't use glitter in this book but
found metallic Prang markers (not stinky!)
at Staples in the art supply section
click on image to see bigger

Fridays are now officially Mydays

2012-01-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

I changed my work schedule to be able to take a free
Qi Gong class offered by the Benjamin Center Cancer Support Community in west L.A.

sporting Jacks for agility

the class is held outdoors in Clover Park

I then went over to the Center for a special workshop
called "Paper and String" it involved drawing and live harp

the harpist, Andrea Puente
SHE IS AMAZING!
I also sketched her

Later in the afternoon,
I made tracks to my favorite beach in Playa del Rey
(the beach where I chased the moon for the eclipse)

love looking out at the ocean,
seeing the horizon,
inhaling fresh air,
hearing the waves and random birds

toes in the Pacific
COLD!
video here

If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer (either as the victim or as a caregiver) I HIGHLY recommend checking out the Cancer Support Community. It is a nation-wide organization. They provide free support in many different ways and styles. Health issues, group therapy, exercise programs, drum circles, financial advice... the list goes on and on.

"SpyGirl:In 10 Minutes" sketchbook completed

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

after significant searching for the fancy italian red tape...
(purchased in providence in the 80s)

the final touch was added to the spine of the sketchbook

ready to go postal
it's like saying goodbye to Severo when he leaves for a gig

See the entire book here at my ArtHouse page
or here on SpyGirl with extra notes on the outfits
Will "SpyGirl: In 10 Minutes" come to your city?
Check the tour schedule

Look like fun?
A new ArtHouse Sketchbook project has started.
You have until 4/30 (completion/postmark date) to join me
my new theme is "Threads and Surfaces"

Sequins! Lurex! Shine!

2012-01-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

my bling scarf, which FINALLY arrived from ideeli
lurex AND sequins

Elizabeth Gillett

click here for more blogging bling

The Guava Thief

2012-01-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

under the cover of darkness,
I walked up the street,
basket in hand

poor guavas,
lying in the street, getting squished

the booty,
nestled in my old basket from oaxaca

soon they will ripen, like these lovelies

IFB: 365 pieces of jewelry

2012-01-07T18:13:00.001-08:00

Do I have that many? I wonder...

I've been toying with the idea of doing a 365 (taking a photo every day) project and the gals over at IFB convinced me to take the plunge for their Project #29. I'm going to take a picture of a piece of my jewelry every day in 2012. I will use the Pose app and the posts will go to my Tumbler and my Twitter (@annembray) feeds. I'll do monthly summaries here.
[a few days later]
THE BEST LINK to this project is on
my Flickr 365 set, which has an RSS feed
[a month or so later]
way behind on updating Flickr
here is the public link for my Pose set

Here is the first one:

four African necklaces from ???
Pose link

To see more 365 project links, click here.
There is also an IFB-365 group on Flickr here

And now a word from the stylist:

"rawr"

Web Crawl: Go Chic or Go Home

2012-01-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

Want to peek into my closet? Are you sure?

there it is... over my right shoulder
[excuse me while I torture the cat]

Sorry. It's too much of a mess here.

3 sample heaps (clockwise from left):
hosiery to digitize + random green tee
studio garments, featuring the apple skirt
the "to fix" pile

draped over
cassette tapes (I kid you not)
audio equipment + CDs
the floor
my bed

You CAN, however, visit my VIRTUAL closet at
Go Chic or Go Home.
My garments are all nicely organized by category.

these are skirts, in case you couldn't tell
click on images to see bigger

You can see random outfit shots:

you might recognize some of these shots

or groups of items for, like, my trips and stuff:

note to self:
start building packing list for TxSC conf

There is one road block to your viewing pleasure - you must be a member!
But hey, "membership has its privileges" as they say
Why don't you request an invite?

You'd be amazed what you'll discover when you start digitizing your closet.

have yet to capture this in a post

You'll meet some cool new people too!

I don't yet know these ladies, but they sport cool boots

this is an unsolicited review
all GCoGH images are screen shots and probably ©GCoGH

shopping report: Santa Monica, Part 2 -- A Flurry of Fun Fur

2012-01-06T13:07:00.000-08:00

Our Santa Monica shopping expedition turned into a frenzy of hat lust. Every store had hats on sale and we tried on a lot!

Here are some highlights:

Old Navy. pass

TJ Maxx. maybe

TJ Maxx. cute BUT elastic was broken on mini-flaps

We found a lot of interesting options at Hot Topic

Victorian bonnet meets ???

ninja turtle meets elmer fudd

mr bear

mr bear, take 2. RAWR!

how about this?

gimme that

awwwww

shopping report: Boxing Day in Santa Monica

2012-01-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

With Severo, our intrepid guide (and shopper extraordinaire),
we braved the Santa Monica Place and the Promenade

It was a lovely sunny soCal day as this gal clearly shows

We started our bargain safari at Old Navy. I must confess, this was my first time in there. (The TV ads are so repellently tacky I have never bothered). I was pleasantly surprised - the deal of the day was the 2-pack of knit gloves for 62¢ (marked down from $2.50). That comes out to

15.5¢ per glove!

While we waited on line (which moved surprisingly quickly)

Severo found this "Guitar Shirt"
I think you play it?

OK, enough of that.
-----------
The kool kids were out

shopping in Urban Outfitters

taking their new Christmas sweaters for a spin

hanging out in funny hats

or busking on the Promenade,
the Christopher Brothers rock out

We eschewed the mayhem of the Apple Store

For the relative quiet of Santa Monica Place
(the velvet rope to nowhere)

We saw pretzel couture outside Rockenwagner

(detail)

Those pretzels made us hungry. (kidding)
Read the details of our lunch at BP Oysterette over on my Glutton blog [soon].

screen malfunction! "enter"

pattern recognition: Bloody Mary Mix

2012-01-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

click on images to see bigger

This whole thing started out as a joke...

DressCourage sent out this tweet:
"I won't be impressed by the internet until someone can email me a bloody mary."

I was sitting at work and took up the challenge.

original photo swiped off from Google Images search
used for entertainment purposes only

turned it into a repeat
(looked like I was "working" maybe creating a design for men's boxers)

I emailed, we chuckled in a virtual manner

Last night, I posted it on my Pattern blog, scheduling it for 1/1/12 @ 12:01 am

This morning, my latest 3 SpyGirl facebook posts caught my eye:

I saw matching happening

yep. it works for me

HAPPY 2012!

two things:
1) go follow SpyGirl on facebook. I'm posting my weird outfits there if I don't have time to write up a post here.
2) I'm cutting off the legs of the velour pants to repurpose into a skirt or shift. I will leave enough for hotpants. There will be 2 pair available - size S. Any takers?

Getting motivated for 2012, SpyGirl style

2012-01-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

The task:
"IFB Project #28: Create A Motivational Mood Board
For this week’s project, we are challenging our community to create a motivational mood board for your blog. Gather images, quotes, outfits, any little tid-bits of inspiration, and put them together so you can visualize everything you want to achieve for yourself and your blog in 2012. You can create a physical board, using magazines and a cork board (for example) or make a collage on your computer – we just want to see your vision!"

My version:
I lay open all the SpyGirl sketchbooks that I am currently working on, plus my big project for my next art exhibition in April - May in Santa Monica.

click on images to see bigger

Decoded:

1) ArtHouse Sketchbook 2012: "In 10 Minutes" --
need to finish sticking Pantone chips to the cover and send by 1/15

2) ArtHouse Sketchbook Ltd Edition: "Threads and Surfaces" -- due April

3) Frame for the "Fashion Icon" art show.
Need to have 3 complete by mid-Feb, all complete by 4/20

4) test print for projects 2 + 3

5) my muse, the original Spy Girl sketch (story here)

6) "Pattern Recognition" sketchbook. Started 12/15/11
(this is the back end of "Lines and Grids" ArtHouse Sketchbook 2011 that I never finished because I didn't like where I was going)

7) gaudy glittered religious art purchased at Austin flea in 97(?) - inspiration for Fashion Icons

8) "Where In the World" sketchbook, started 12/14/11

9) new red moleskine sketchbook, theme TBD

10) ""Time Traveler" sketchbook. My fashion history starting from 6/10 and working backwards. (I think. Only have title page done)

11) "Haiku to My Closet" started with IFB #2, 6/28/11

12) "Into the Flowers" sketchbook. Started 5/6/11

13) SpyGirl drawing template

14) Pantone "100 Top Colors" fan guide -- going to use in a Pantone-themed sketchbook, probably for Int'l Fake Journal 2012 during April (and beyond)

gee, April looks to be INTENSELY busy

see other responses here

Spygirl wants you to meet: The Style Confessions™

2011-12-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

from "Ravishing Red"
©2011 The Style Confessions™
you might recognize this image from
the Style Confessions™
facebook page
if not, go there too!

The Style Confessions™ is written by my dear friend Heather, who is one of my most stylish friends. Even when she was on an angel mission -- 9am, dropping me off at the hospital in Torrence, her son sick in the back seat -- she was STILL pulled together and chic. (I often feel disheveled in her presence yet she tells me I look great. What a pal!)

Heather's goal is to show that women over 40 need not dress like frumps in their comfortable stretchy garments. That yes, we can do better! With a little intention, it IS possible to look good AND one doesn't have to spend a fortune to get there. Heather clearly shows that the extra effort is worth it.

I love reading her commentary, she writes very well. Creative, beautiful, talented, genuine -- I can't think up enough superlatives.

Her husband Hugo does most of the photography for her and he is a genius with light. The settings are always interesting. I mean -- look at that photo up there -- she is sitting in one of those plastic garden chairs!

You must go visit The Style Confessions™, you will want to read every post, I promise you.

Heather doesn't (yet) know that I wrote this. This is my "thank you" to her for all the inspiration that she has given me. Mwah!

Note: I wrote this in response to the "IFB Project #27: Feature Another Blogger" Click here to read others' responses.

More Christmas Cookies? Yes, please

2011-12-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

I'm wearing my JUMBO JEANS
No skinny jeans for this gal

yep, JUMBO
lots of room for cookies

vintage scarf from Portland
old J Crew cable knit cardigan
VW tee from Callate La Boca, Madrid
GAT Mens Jeans, circa 2000?

functioning pockets at sideseam knee
I walked around like a dude in cargo pants
with lots of stuff in my lower pockets
handy! now I know why they do it

_________

I added this post to:

see other responses here!

IFB Project #26: The Best of 2011

2011-12-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that it's almost 2012?
I had a good time scrolling down the archives reliving the past year. I joined IFB in April and fell down the fashion blogger rabbit hole with glee. I do this for the joy of it -- I "should" be concentrating on my art work, but it isn't half as compelling. Who knows? Maybe the fashion blogger portraits (see last link) will become my next art exhibition.
I have enjoyed becoming part of the fashion blogger community and learning the merits of Twitter (@annembray), Tumbler, Instagram (annembray) et al. AND making everyone's acquaintance. You are a great community!

Here are my favorite SpyGirl posts from 2011.

SpyGirl started as a fake journal project in April 2010. I wanted to start sketching my outfits and came upon the SpyGirl template by accident (or fate). This journal spread is my favorite for 2011 because it jogs my memory about a design concept I'd like to put into production and sell.

Favorite SpyGirl Sketch:
4-22 happy Earth Day

My favorite outfit post is about what I wore for a Nada Surf gig I attended with my boyfriend. We had backstage passes and everything!

Favorite outfit post:
In 10 Minutes: 6-5

"Style Reports" are my street style photos. This Williamsburg post was the result of planting myself at Pies - n - Thighs for hours, waiting for my boyfriend to arrive from an LAX flight into Newark (flight issues). A fashionable start to a most excellent vacation with him.

Favorite Style Report (street style):
Summer in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

I'm calling posts about museum visits and other cultural activities "Style Guides" I was killing time in Portland and stumbled upon this wonderful exhibition. Took copious notes and photos.

Favorite Style Guide:
Portland - Laurie Herrick at the Museum of Contemporary Craft

I'm especially proud of my Hair Care post for the Friend Friday group, hosted by Katy at ModlyChic. If you had told me three years ago that I would have short hair today, I wouldn't have believed you.

Favorite FBFF (friend friday) post:
Hair Care - the long and the short of it

The second IFB Project was to write a haiku. I chose my red coat that I designed in 1987.

Favorite IFB Project:
haiku to my red coat

For one of my day jobs, I teach digital design. I make all my own handouts in lieu of a text book. Thanks to Kimi @ allthefussandmore I learned how to turn off the oh-so-annoying Blogger Captcha. I then made her instructions visual. This is one of my most popular posts.

Best (and only) tech tip:
How to Turn off Captcha in Blogger

Here is a taste of a series to come in 2012 -- "Fashion Icons"

Post that I'm most excited about:
amb on 7-21

Before this recap project came up, I was already starting to use Chris Guillebeau's (author of The Art of Non-Conformity) process to evaluate my year. I recommend that you check out his Annual Review post here. He gives some great suggestions.

To a better and brighter 2012!

pattern recognition: Daisy Janie

2011-12-16T07:18:00.000-08:00

Daisy Janie is hosting a fabric giveaway that ends today (12/16) at 8pm EST. I love her prints so I entered for the "Shades of Grey" bundle. Here is SpyGirl in a shift utilizing it:

click on images to see bigger

source

I hope I win!

Friend Friday: The Return of the Facebook 20 Questions -- Holiday Edition

2011-12-15T21:16:00.000-08:00

Katy, of ModlyChic, set us the challenge to answer a series of questions in the format of the typical Facebook 20 Questions on the topic of the holidays (I will release my FB version next week. Still too early).

in creating this image, I discovered that FB pages can't write Notes
was hoping to use SpyGirl -- concept fail

1) No holiday party is complete without:
off-key singing of Christmas carols
2) My favorite Christmas song:
Vince Guaraldi - Christmas Time is Here
3) The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes: jammies
4) My favorite seasonal recipe: panattone

click on this to see bigger + use

5) Eggnog, good or bad? very very good
6) Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha: GL
7) Family photo cards - yea or nay? YEA!

bray family, 1968

8) Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall?
Sheffield MA had no mall
9) Worst gift I ever got: I plead the fifth
10) Best gift I ever received: my boyfriend Severo
11) My family has this tradition:
popovers for Christmas breakfast topped with butter and homemade jams
12) If I could only buy all my gifts from one place,
I'd shop at: Cargoh (or direct link to my shop)
13) Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman: ugh
14) My favorite Christmas movie:
The Grinch That Stole Christmas (original animated version)
15) One of my favorite holiday memories:
New Year's in Goshen with Cyrus (RIP), Patucci, Mark, + Richard

my forehead, cyrus, patucci, richard

16) The best part about holiday decorations is:
they twinkle and sparkle
17) Rip off the wrapping paper or
neatly pull off the tape: rip it off, baby
18) Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life:
It's a Wonderful Life by The Tories
19) It doesn't feel like the holiday season until:
the Santa Anas blow all the leaves off the liquidamber trees and there's snow on the San Gabriels (Because I grew up in the northeast, I'm still hardwired for snow as a seasonal indicator. I am shocked, SHOCKED that there are only 10 shopping days left. This happens every year).
20) All I want for Christmas is: Peace, Love and Understanding

1958

Happy Holidays to all, whichever one(s) you celebrate!
Be sure to check out the other responses on ModlyChic

where in the world? The Getty

2011-12-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

This is the start of a new SpyGirl sketchbook:
"where in the world?" I will combine outfit sketches and an Instagram shot (and geotag map) of where I journey.
Here is my Getty look:

click on images to see bigger


here's another great jacket discovery from my closet spelunking. this one is an OTIS student project, I think it was for Gotcha, late 80s/early 90s It's cow print plush, overdyed with ochre + green I need to rework the shoulders and sleeves... it was designed for a man, intentionally oversized and I swim in it

hand painted spider graphic - copper metallic on black

I'll write more about the Getty visit in detail over on my Glutton blog soon. I'll link it up once I get it posted.

Rainy Days and Mondays

2011-12-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

Don't get me down.

These two garments went to a party on Saturday and had so much fun, they decided they had to go out again today.

the hat I've been wearing all week
mexican scarf bought in patzquaro
boucle cardigan, gift
band Tee [Supremium]
rayon dot skirt
leggings from work
wool over-the-knee sox
black/pink leg warmers
clogs from amsterdam

also wore the fun fur coat
because it's fun
and furry

fashion challenge: neutrals - pop color saturday

2011-12-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

Saturday of the neutrals fashion challenge, hosted by Megan + Keely
I had great plans to do a red outfit with a pop color of hot pink but I will save that for a later day.
Instead, here's what I wore on my expedition to the beach to watch the lunar eclipse:

the coat from monday
tibetan wool hat, got on haight st in SF
pale celadon mystery fiber scarf, got in 90s in providence
grey cotton/spandex lounge pants from work
metal capped-toe clogs
not shown:
blue + green mohair sweater, thrifted in culver city
under that, navy cashmere sweater --
because it was 45 and we are wimps in soCal
grey ragg wool fingerless gloves

the ramp for the lifeguard shack
made a handy support for night-time shooting
used an old danish schoolbag for my camera bag


there's the moon over my shoulder! while I was standing here, the Beach Patrol stopped by to see what I was up to I was afraid he was going to make me get off the beach (are we allowed on the beach at night? I think so...) I explained there was an eclipse going on. he wasn't aware of it. see more moon pix here on my glutton blog

as it got brighter, the moon disappeared in the west
I lingered to watch the sunrise

here's a PhotoBooth shot that sort of shows the colors in the sweater
plus some really attractive hat hair

various cameras, not including iPhone

I dragged out my old manual Pentax SLR, in case I ran out the batteries in my digital devices. Of course the battery was totally dead in that too, so I winged it on slow settings. The camera is horribly heavy, but oh, the sensations of winding the film, clicking, hearing the shutter noise... it brought back memories. I shot two rolls of film. Hope I can find a lab to process them.

Thus concludes the week of the Neutrals Challenge. It was a blast! Thank you Megan + Keely!

fashion challenge: neutrals - navy friday

2011-12-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Friday of the neutrals fashion challenge, hosted by Megan + Keely

Today's look was a work in progress.
Navy = jeans, right?
THEY DIDN'T FIT! THE HORROR!
(Yes, I have only one pair of blue denims that are OK for work)


version #1. no chinese jacket and white clogs not working

better
navy wool swing coat made by OTIS student in 90s
cotton evil eye scarf
docker's mens crew from work
leon max rayon shorts circa 90s
amazing royal blue tights from hong kong
navy/red dot Happy Socks
same booties as Tues

threw on this red cardigan for extra warmth @ work

then, as I was running out the door,
I remembered this scarf I got in Portland last June

yes! I am now happy.
no longer neutral.

fashion challenge: neutrals - cognac thursday

2011-12-08T11:34:00.000-08:00

Thursday of the neutrals fashion challenge, hosted by Megan + Keely

What the heck is "cognac"
Brown? I already did brown.
I started with wine and mixed it up with caramel. Yum.

Wow! My coat closet is like having my own personal thrift store!
I completely forgot that I had this.
Make that had no idea that it existed!

vintage camel's hair coat
leopard chiffon scarf - 80s rosemary brantley
wine turtleneck - land's end
floral print rayon shorts - 90s leon max
wine leggings - work sample
wool stripe knee sox
burgundy mary jane clogs

leopard collar and silver rings

button

pocket

print mix

I will do another post on this coat later. You need to see how the whole collar looks without a scarf covering it up. It's an amazing piece. AND it fits!

fashion challenge: neutrals - brown wednesday

2011-12-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

Wednesday of the neutrals fashion challenge, hosted by Megan + Keely

cotton velour lucky brand men's shirt
rayon stripe indian scarf
CK bubble top dress
stripe tights
docker's slides

I'd forgotten about this shirt!
thanks to the challenge, it is back in rotation

here's what I really wore
changed up the accessories

fashion challenge: neutrals - grey tuesday

2011-12-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

Tuesday of the neutrals fashion challenge, hosted by Megan + Keely

vintage plaid men's blazer
silk/rayon scarf from tibet
stripe shirt - Tweeds
pencil skirt - Chaiken
stripe tights
clog booties - BC
green leather gloves

OK, the jacket + shirt are really more green than grey.
Let's call them greyen.

IFB Project #24: personal playlist

2011-12-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

This list is VERY personal - I know all these artists personally!
These are my go-to tunes for painting, blogging, commuting and escaping via ear buds from my co-workers when they start discussing sports.
-----------
Stew - Love Like That
from

Adam Marsland - Portland
from

Anny Celsi - Tangle-Free World
from

Carolyn Edwards - Secret Monster
from

Evie Sands - Gasoline and Coffee
from

Maple Mars - Breathe Deep
from

Nada Surf - Fruit Fly
from

Nada Surf - Love and Anger
from

Rafael Gayol - The Way We Live
from

The Smithereens - Sorry
from

fashion challenge: neutrals - black monday

2011-12-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

Monday of the neutrals fashion challenge, hosted by Megan + Keely

tiger print fun fur
paisley silk scarf
black top from work
black 569 levi's
black clogs

close-up of the fur
yeah, it's really brown + blk

my mom got me this scarf in china
she toured the factory where it was printed

amb on 7-21

2011-12-04T13:56:00.001-08:00

amb on 7-21
Originally uploaded by anne m bray
Via Flickr:
I've recently been doing a bunch of line art portraits as part of the Julia Kay's Portrait Party group (www.flickr.com/groups/portraitparty/) on Flickr.

I got to thinking, what if I do a whole figure and add color? I experimented on myself and am quite pleased with the results.

I think I'll start doing this as a series.
If you are a fashion blogger who does outfit of the day posts and would like to be featured, go ahead and leave your blog URL here.

Holiday Looks: Guest Post from Sydney

2011-12-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

Sydney sent me these Spygirl sketches a while ago.
Time to share!

Two great holiday party looks, yes?

Style Report: Going Greyhound

2011-09-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to travel by Greyhound bus and still look chic?
These girls illustrate how:

closeup of back of dress

Not chic but still cute

style sighting: on the circle line boat, nyc

2011-08-31T14:20:00.000-07:00

cute couple alert!

Style Guide: Alexander McQueen at the Met, part 2

2011-08-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

At the portal, we were told:
"No photos, put away your phones" so I sketched

then I couldn't resist shooting this feather headpiece

and this rotating fan skirt begged for video capture (link)

It was an amazing show. So sad, thinking of the loss.

Style Guide: Alexander McQueen at the Met, part 1

2011-08-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

I joined the McQueen line at 12:30.

I passed the time by sketching

We snaked through various parts of the 2nd floor

this girl was especially chic

An hour later I arrived at the portal

Style Report: Summer in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

2011-08-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

How did the girls of Williamsburg beat the heat?
Short skirts + hippie layers!

fur mini bag!

These were all shot at Pies -n- Thighs

What's in My Bag? travel edition

2011-08-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

SpyGirl has been on vacation

I lightened my load but am still carrying 3 pens
Notice the Dunkin' Donuts napkins...
Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee RULES

In 10 Minutes: 7-25 dots and stripes

2011-07-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

grey rib tee - free sample from work
dot/stripe vintage barkcloth skirt (also seen here)
leopard sleeve (for medical condition)
plastic chinese sandals

This skirt is one of my favorite items
I got it at an estate sale in Silver Lake in 1995.

FBFF: what's in my bag?

2011-07-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

You can tell I commute by car from the size of my bag. Sometimes I feel like a sherpa!

inside the big bag are smaller bags

inside the smaller bags is a whole lotta stuff

another view

yes, I can go minimal! here are my errand/going out essentials

This is a Fashion Beauty Friend Friday event hosted by Marie-Eve of A Pretty Nest.
See more responses here.
Learn more about FBFF here.

style report: art opening @ Duncan Miller Projects

2011-07-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Aline Smithson curated a fantastic summertime themed group photography show at Duncan Miller in Santa Monica.
I stopped by the opening reception last night on my way home from work.

mobbed!

Aline's nails matched her necklace

patched jacket

when in doubt, wear black, white or black + white stripes

Of course I had to eat something! I had munched on carrots on my commute home but there happened to be a food truck right outside the gallery. So convenient!

mmmm crepes

the friendly crepe guy

nutella + banana crepe w/ whip cream. OMG. yes, that was my dinner. bad anne.

The show is up until September 3, so get yourself over there. There are some fantastic pieces.
Duncan Miller Projects Gallery
1716 Ocean Park, Santa Monica 90405
Th, F, Sat 11-6, Wed 7-9pm
more about the show from L E N S C R A T C H, Aline's blog

on trend: bright bottoms

2011-07-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday of Fashion Challenge
Here we have what I really wore on Tuesday

Can't get much brighter than the clown skirt!
Does the lurex paisley scarf match? Sure, why not!

on trend: eclectic prints

2011-07-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Thursday of Fashion Challenge
this one was easy

ADORE this print!
vintage rayon purchased at Uncommon Objects in Austin, TX
I designed + sewed the tunic

on trend: sparkles for day//go neutral

2011-07-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Wednesday + Friday of Fashion Challenge
Here's another outfit I styled but didn't wear

eeeek! I blend into the house!!!

The reason? A very sad oil spill on the skirt... For the photo, I put it on back to front to hide it. I'm planning to sew more sequins over it in a flower shape (the thing is at least 4" in diameter). Just have to get myself over to a fabric store that has sequin trim...

on trend - military paired with feminine

2011-07-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday of Fashion Challenge
This was a tough one... I found only one "military" garment (and I looked in my boyfriend's closet too) - a communist cap that I bought in Hong Kong in 04. And most of my "feminine" garments are on the small side...

the silhouette I conjured up reminded me of something...

Poiret (source)

I'm quite fond of the bird print on the dress
that I wore over the olive chiffon skirt.
So so girlie!

Did I wear this out into the world? Are you kidding?
I had fun mixing it up however.

on trend: stripe and floral mix

2011-07-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Monday of Fashion Challenge
The first day of creating summer trends from my closet.

I look annoyed.
Probably because I was running late for work

oh how I yearned for a black/white stripe top

the best part was discovering how nicely the scarf matched the skirt

FTF: The Beach

2011-07-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

I want a vacation! I want to go to the beach!

The Atlantic: Napatree Point, 1993
the southern-most point in RI
this acrylic painting of mine has sold

The Caribbean: Tulum, Mexico, 1982
this pastel is available

Sea of Cortez: Bahia de los Angeles, 1982

The Pacific: Playa del Rey Beach

Here's me in one month:
Martha's Vineyard, MA

Full Time Fabulous: Beach Theme - read other responses
Created by Kristy
Read more about FTF here

IFB Project #4: recreating the past

2011-07-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

The Mission:
"Do you remember what you wore on a special first date? Or what you wore to a memorable birthday or graduation? Outfits have history to them. For this reason we thought it would be a fun idea to take an outfit from a special day and recreate it. Not only will this make you exercise your styling skills but this will also make you relive a special moment".

The Memory

The Old Photo


The Recreation! Same tube dress Red coat (inside out) subbing for Blue Gown Black clogs subbing for Dr Martens HS diploma subbing for OTIS one

Getting my BFA from OTIS in Fashion Design was one of the hardest things that I've accomplished. Look how huge my grin is in the photo from 87. Pure joy!

See everyone's response here.

into the flowers: clematis? (no - hypericum)

2011-07-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hollis shot this on her morning walk

it had to become a fascinator for SpyGirl!

No ID yet on the flower. Isn't it strange?

update from Agent Kitty:
I did some googling and I think this flower is called "hypericum", or st. john's wort: http://www.google.com/search?q=hypericum&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=ivns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=ZyoVTrLeLIbcgQed9pQi&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CB4Q_AUoAQ&biw=1334&bih=725

In 10 Minutes: 7-4 independent artist

2011-07-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

huipil from Folk Tree, Pasadena
the shirt/apron detailed here
cow slides from Macy's, Sacremento

Yesterday, I said I wanted to paint.
I did!

outdoor set up

finished painting + ring

another garment relegated to the painting pile
got too worn out

IFB Project: don't bother the anne

2011-07-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

painting gear = freedom

The IFB Project #3 -- INDEPENDENCE:
Do you have an item you purchased that made you feel independent? Something that made you feel liberated? Share it!

It has to be my painting clothes

concert tee circa 1984
vintage apple print skirt from Larry
giordano denim mens shirt bought in HK, 1992
purple chinese jelly sandals, HK, 1992

because when I'm painting, I am doing the thing I truly love

let's look at the details:

Perkins Palace, 1984. "A Bill Made in Hell"
I was there. Die Schloflosen? Hellish. The Cramps? Heaven.
I started wearing this as studio garb in 1986

I'm sad this skirt is too worn to wear "in public"
ADORE the print

detail of paint encrusted on shirt that I tie as an apron --
could be a painting!
I am a slob. I wipe my hands on my clothing when I paint.

And as far as Independence Day goes,
what is more American than denim, apples and the Cramps?
I promise myself to wear this tomorrow, July 4,
and START PAINTING again.
Hold me to it, friends!

Check out the other entries on IFB.

In 10 Minutes: 6-25 feeling the plaid in portland

2011-07-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

click on images to see bigger

I found this plaid wrap skirt @ SMUT Vintage for $16.

It lead me to come up with this:


Indian paisley bling scarf - gift from Kim green Levi's shirt - thrifted bleeding heart bakery tee - from the cupcake enabler skirt black lace edge leggings - sample from work witch sox - sock man St Mark's Pl NYC sanitas brown patent mary jane clogs - NYC

At lunchtime, I added my Eugene Kim hat - it was SUNNY!
I matched a whole block of buildings

IFB Project: haiku to my red coat

2011-06-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

click on images to see bigger

IFB PROJECT #2: LET’S GET POETIC
A Haiku is a Japanese short poem made up of 3 phrases with 17 syllables in it divided into 5, 7, 5.
Example:
We come together
As independent bloggers
To share our knowledge
We want you to pick something out of your closet you love and write a haiku about it. Whether it be a pair of shoes or a dress, get creative!

------

Wondrous red coat

Hidden silk taffeta swish

Waiting for cold nights

-------

I designed, draped, and sewed this coat my senior year at OTIS. It was for a project mentored by David Hayes.
Here is my illustration from then:

Check out the other entries on IFB.

Style Guide: Portland - Laurie Herrick at the Museum of Contemporary Craft

2011-06-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

There is an amazing exhibition of weaver Laurie Herrick's work at the Museum of Contemporary Craft.

My favorite piece is this Shawl Coat from 1970:

It consists of two rectangles, each 54 x 25" that are folded crossways at shoulder and joined in center back for approximately 75" (this causes the cocoon effect).

I can't wait to try this out with some of my own fabric!

I see it also working in silk, for a super drapey effect.

If you're in Portland, the show is up until July 30.

Online, selected weaving drafts by Herrick will be available at the exhibition link for artists worldwide to interpret and share via Flickr. It will be interesting to see the results.

Greetings from Portland Oregon!

2011-06-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

view full image

While online at my pal Lisa's desk at the HQ of Pendleton, I discovered that I made the IFB Project Roundup list with the post about my grandmother's dress.

[the next day]

Here is what Nubia wrote:

The amazing thing for me about wearing something with sentimental value is the feeling I get while wearing it. It brings back a specific memory of when it was given to me and it’s a beautiful thing. Perhaps everyone doesn’t feel the same way I do, but I believe it’s essential to cherish the smaller things in life. I’d pick something with a lot of value to me over something designer with no problem.

IFB PROJECT ROUND UP:

Lost in Translation: Check out the story behind this charm bracelet Linda’s mother gave her for her birthday.
Mon article préféré: An elegant YSL perfume bottle gifted from a loving mother.
A Hidden Treasure: A lovely rhinestone bracelet gifted by a great grandmother.
IFB Project: Heirlooms and Matchy-Matchy: A classic nova check Burberry blouse.
Jewelry Box Tattoos: An adorable jewelry box with many lovely pieces inside including a meaningful bracelet.
A Treasure Story: A gorgeous brooch gifted by a grandmother.
IFB Project: A Sentimental Value Item: A ruffled silk blazer handed down by a mother.
Never Out of Fashion: Doc Marten’s handed down by a father.
Old Hats: How to Have had a grandfather as a hat collector, check it out.
Something from my Closet: Why I love Vintage: A gold sequined purse from a Dutch mother in law.
IFB Project: Heirloom Tomato: A hand tailored dress from British Hong Kong
The IFB Project: Whiskey Dogs: A classic whiskey dog brooch.

Thanks to those who participated and I hope to see more next week. To see all the entries from this weeks project you can check here. Check back Friday for our next project.

Tres Chic - LAX

2011-06-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

maxi + colorblocking. this girl is on trend!