How do you know?

Still feeling a bit lost...how do you know?

Book Pillow!

A couture pillow for my Dad. My first entirely hand-sewn project comes to an end...but it's so cute! I didn't even realize I was doing a hand applique until I started my summer class at Parsons - amazing! Let's see what happens next. (Sorry for the bad photo - it was late!)

Happy sewing!
~ Alex

Start your project!

The day is here - time for you to start that project. I know I've missed New Years by a bit - but I have a new resolution. JUST DO IT! (And I can't believe how much I've already done this year!) I promise to keep up with my blog more. I'm getting a new computer in the next month or so and that will surely help. (My Dell crashed two months ago...which is why you haven't heard much from me. I give up on it.)

More soon! And remember, you CAN do it!
~ Alex

"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

"Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten..."

If I had $100.00 on Etsy.com

I'd buy SweetToothVintage's Blue Floral Print Tent Dress for a day on the town! (Click here to view her shop!)

And I'd pair it with mylavaliere's Swallow Headband. (Here!)

I'd place lauratrevey's beautiful watercolours ALL over my office. (Here!)

I'd carry asaborake's leather Pencil Case with me wherever I go! (Here!)

And I'd want to carry DeeRPhotoArts' up close and personal Peacock Photo with me whenever the rain starts falling... (Here!)

And with that last $1.00 - I'd buy a lottery ticket to try to be able to purchase...

sheriscrystals' Wedding Cake Chandelier...Now...above my studio desk or vanity? How will I ever decide! (Visit her store here!)

What would you buy?

ETSY

Where do I find my?...

Inspiration?

A great burger, raindrops on glass, candlewax pooling on a tablecloth the right breeze at the right moment...

you look around and you stare me down, grinding my heart with the sting of garlic until breaking and winding I fall. Glancing to catch your snicker as you wave at the girl in the shop window.

I treasure your hate as you bellow at the puppy pissing on your worn leather shoes.

I somehow love you for this

tinge

of

fear.

Eat a pear and stare down into the abyss that ate Alice whole.

.

...who knows...I couldn't tell you! I wrote it on the bus ride home. It started out as a "Where do I find my Inspiration" note and this is what happened!

Happy Tuesday!

~ Alex

My bags are here!

http://www.valhallabrooklyn.etsy.com/

.

Personally, I'm obsessed. I can't put these bags down...I don't even have anything in the clutches (that I'm using as wallets) yet! I just don't want to leave them at home! Look, even my cat Leo thinks they are GREAT!

.

Have you Etsy'ied yet?! (Here I am!)

Today's NYC Sample Sales

I love to know where to shop!

Sample Sales!!! GO SHOP IN NYC!

~ Alex

Sketches!

Sketches!, originally uploaded by Alexandra Whatton.

My first Fashion Studies class at Parsons - and this is my homework?! I'm in love.

Dream on!

~ Alex

My Custom Kicks!

Here they are! My custom Keds from Zazzle.com! They took me quite a while to design, but they were so easy to purchase once I got all of my designs up there...and I have to admit, I'm quite proud! They definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I love the color and that it makes me want to get to work in my studio each time I look down! Every time that I look down, I will instantly feel like creating - which is my favorite time in the world!

More photos here!

Your own Custom KEDS here!

Oh the things you can do in the world today.

~ Alex

My NEW Studio!

I think I'm in love...well, yes, my husband is great - but my new studio is REALLY coming together! I just got some great organization underway and the versatility of this space is starting to reveal itself. My new sewing machine (yes, the first I've EVER bought!) fits perfectly on one side. And when I want to sketch designs that I'm thinking of or get out something else to "play" with - I can angle the desk as a drafting table from the other side! I'm so excited about it. It's such an inspiring space. I can't wait to hang a cork board or separte hooks with clipboards for ideas! Oh the things I could do.

Have you been inspired lately?

Ciao for now!

~ Alex

Lazy Sunday

Happy Lazy Sunday!

The house is clean and orderly, the cats are resting, and we're both well fed. Italian soccer is playing, james lounges across the couch, and I browse Etsy. All is well.

Speaking of browsing Etsy, here's todays' find:

madcowdog's equine treat pouch

This is how I'm feeling today too:

I had the time of my life at Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2009 Consumer Preview this Wednesday at NY's Fashion Week...

(For more video of the evening: check out my Flickr!)

I purchased my Valhalla Brooklyn custom bags (see previous post) - I cannot WAIT to see them! Thank you Karin!

Off to try out my new sewing machine...enjoy your weekend (or at least what's left of it!)

Ciao for now!

~ Alex

Valhalla Brooklyn

I've come to realize in all my travels that I still don't have the perfect carry-on bag...insert AMAZING FIND ON ETSY here! Valhalla Brooklyn comes to the rescue.

Click here!

Karin, the woman behind the genius at Valhalla Brooklyn has been patiently working with me to design my dream bag! A combination of one of her XL Luggage bags in size and the Vigga bag (pictured above) in styling - I can't wait to feel the smooth leather on my shoulder and the funky lining sliding between my fingers.

Check out her website (with tons of amazing photos) here. She's got talent!

~ Alex

Too long...

Well, I guess that's what I get for shopping locally! (I've been doing that the entire time since I last blogged...over a month ago now!) Just kidding, it's definitely time to get back in to things and kickstart 2009...even if I'm a little behind!

I've found a couple of new magazines that I might be purchasing subscriptions too...as I'm already addicted to Real Simple and Harper's Bizarre and now I've found Bust and Craft Magazine (more of a book). I also can't stop checking out Etsy or now Gilt Groupe, and of course...Zazzle!!! I'm just trying to support the economy you know!

And also - so you can check out the AMAZING embroidery work (found thanks to Craft Magazine!): Michael Aaron McAllister. You won't believe your eyes. Click here for my favorite! (Too bad it's not up for sale anymore!)


Smile, it makes people wonder...

~ Alex

Shopping and Dropping...like flies

If you're reading this, blogging on your own blog, updating Etsy, and in the middle of a DIY project...STOP! Just kidding, but if you find yourself shopping online more and more these days, maybe you can change one thing. Try spending some of that holiday money at local stores. You know, the ones that you love popping in to once in awhile to see whats new and what little things you can pick-up for yourself, your home, or your friends and family. We have to support each other in these difficult times...and that means trying to support the local businesses.

Little notes and little things can change the world forever.

Happy Saturday!

Alex

And some color for good luck:

Wish I were there...