I Need YOUR Help!

Good Afternoon Nomads!

A fellow Lucky Alpha Shopper entered the fabulous Sunglass Hut Blogger Competition that I missed when James was in the hospital (it wasn't mean to be!) - and since I loved her very personable video, I used my one vote for hers!  Please vote for Charity HERE!  And her blog: What is Charity Wearing?.  Thanks in advance, Nomads!

Here's todays post for the Lucky Alpha Shoppers Blog and where I also need your styling help...  (See original HERE.)

[Hmph!  I will not be wearing those tights again - what a weird thing they do to my legs!]

Dress: "Keyhole Dress" made-up of 90% Organic Pima Cotton blended with 10% Lycra® and is from http://www.restoreclothing.com (Full Disclosure: I work for RESTORE™Clothing and exchanged hours worked for this dress)...it was COMPLETELY worth it...really comfortable and socially responsible.

Socks: Happy Socks - so much fun and just the right pop of color for an otherwise dark outfit.

Shoes: Timberland (after Lucky and Timberland sent us [Alpha Shoppers] the first pair, I went to the NYC Soho event and purchased these beauties!  The color is much more versatile than I realized.  I'm totally impressed with Timberland's new direction!

Any styling suggestions?  I'm a Fashion Design Student, but as you can tell, my styling isn't where I want it to be yet.  I love to have fun with clothes and color, but I don't think I know my own body well enough yet, thoughts?

~ End of Lucky Post ~

Here's another idea: head wrap when you oversleep?

I'm sure this isn't a new idea!  But, it was the first time I've ever done it.  Ironically, I got more compliments the day I wore this "panicked-I-can't-be-late-for-class-what-happened-to-my-darn-alarm?!" look than I ever have while at school.  And I have to admit, it feels good to get a compliment from Fashion Design and Marketing students at Parsons!  Thanks peers!

Happy Friday!

Yours truly,

Alex

Beach to Mountain

Thinking about surfing again.  By the way, has anyone else tried CeraVe AM?  I can't believe how much clearer my skin looks and it was all based on the recommendation of a friend of mine - thanks D!

Happy Killington Opening!  (Guess I need to start draping my ski romper!!!)

Yours truly,
Alex

Visual Update

Empire State - what a view!

Color Theory Homework!

Cleaning up!

Happy Homework...

Yours truly,

Alex

Timberland, Surfing, and Illustration

Hi Nomads,

Just from my title, I'm realizing how great life is.  With the exception of losing my phone last Thursday on the way home from the Lucky Magazine/Timberland event, it's been one heck of a weekend - in a good way.  But who wants to hear the negative stuff?  Me neither, let's get to the fun stuff!

This is a shot from the Timberland/Lucky Magazine party last Thursday, October 7, 2010.  I'm an Alpha Shopper for Lucky Magazine and they send me products to review.  The most recent being the most amazing pair of boots you've ever seen:

Yeah, you aren't alone.  All my friends are coveting them and Parsons students ask me about them in class, in the elevators, and at the sewing machine.  I love them so much (especially their comfort level), that I've only really taken them off to sleep and shower.  Timberland definitely is stepping-up their women's collection.  In fact, I bought another pair while I was there:

These are the Women's Wedgebrook Buckle Ankle Boot and I thought they would round out what I believe will quickly become a large collection.  Why?  Because they have great arch support, are comfortable even when you are on your feet all day, have great design elements, and are eco-friendly.  What's not to love?  Plus, while I was at the event I was told about the great stories behind each shoe.  Little details bring them all to life and there is something so romantic about the new designs, but they are certainly for strong women - true to Timberland's core values.  I'd say their new direction is working already.  Check out these babies that I'd love to own - Gavie Oxfords:

I love their new Timberland Boot Company collection as well - old school factory, vintage, and victorian details meant to be reminiscent of the times when women began to really go to work - functional, beautiful shoes.  Here's their photos from the event on flickr.  It was fantastically fun and overwhelmingly exciting - I would love to work with them in the future!  (I've got to get in to Howard Davis's shoe design class next semester!)

Then, on Friday, I was lucky enough to attend the Sustainability Panel at the Afingo "Behind the Seams" conference at FIT.  Read more about it HERE - the post I did for RESTORE™Clothing's Responsiblog:

I also went surfing in Cape May this weekend.  (After losing my amazing Blackberry Bold on a NJ Transit bus - devastating - I needed a weekend with laughter, wine, and good friends and family!)  My husband bought me my first wetsuit and I'm determined to put it to good use.  [Hmmm...eco-friendly wetsuit design in my future?  Anything is possible!  But I digress...]  Here's my hubby waiting for a wave:

And our friend and instructor-for-the-day, TJ actually catching one:

I also found an amazing store in Cape May called Uniquely Yours at 24 Decatur Street.  The shawl outside drew me (and a few others) in (I wish my photo did it justice, the burnished velvet with intricate beading was truly stunning):

But I ultimately ended-up buying this shawl that can be worn two different ways... (and guess what?  They loved my boots!  Thanks Timberland & Lucky!!!)

And I've already throw so much at you for one night, but here's my last three images - new illustration homework (completing the clothing next week):

Alright, hope I didn't scare any of my 7 readers away with all that - certainly had a lot going on this weekend and I hope you all had a wonderful, exhilarating weekend as well!

Dream on and live it up - happy LIVING!

Yours truly,

Alex

Random Got Beautiful

Remember to breathe.

My Color Theory Professor at Parsons just reminded me of this website this week...I forgot how wonderful it was.  Just what I needed today.

Random Got Beautiful.

That is all for now.  Happy coloring.

Yours truly,

Alex

Projects and Photos!

Here's a little pictorial update for you, Nomads.  Enjoy!

Draping my shift dress (will have a peter pan collar soon) for Construction 2 at Parsons.

Making my outfit for the BurdaStyle Project Runway ReMake Challenge.

Achromatic Master Study for Color Theory at Parsons: half paper collage/half painting.  I used August Macke's "Hat Shop" (1914) originally done in oil on canvas.

My new Timberland Earthkeeper collection boots whilst apple picking in Randolph, NJ.  (Photo by James Whatton.)  Use coupon code: LUCKY to save $20.00 off your purchase of $125.00 or more (valid in stores and online thru Oct. 12, 2010).  Thank you to Lucky Magazine and Timberland for sending me these free boots to try!

Happy Autumn!

Yours truly,

Alex

Sump pump FAIL!

Ha! Rain boots in the house today!

Yours truly,
Alex

Happy drying!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

A Day in the Life

'Afternoon Nomads!

Wow, I did not realize it was going to be that type of day!  Sick (though, that might have been my own fault from lack of sleep due to one amazing, worth-it project), no hot water, and a gas leak.  The last one means that they are ripping-up the street in front of my home - nice.

Ah, well, life goes on.  I've had a lot of exciting things happening in the last few weeks - so I have a lot to update you on!  I did start working at RESTORE ™ Clothing and helped Anthony Lilore and Brigitte Schwenner to make this amazing newspaper coat that showed last Tuesday:

More about the experience in my blog post for RESTORE ™ Clothing here --> Responsiblog.  And more photos on our FACEBOOK page.  All is going well there and I am thrilled they found me!

I've also been keeping extremely busy with homework of course, and have posted some new photos on FLICKR.  Here's some of my first contour drawings - I love that I'm starting to stylize and find proportions even this early on!

And here's a sneak peak of the huge project that Jessica Hurwit, Kyle Pasciutti and I got to work on this past weekend:

Yup, that's literally all I can show you right now!  But it's on a world famous TV show and the three of us (now "Three Tiers" --> a bit of a hint) had an absolute blast.  It will air in late Autumn/early Winter and I'll certainly post about it then!  (One more hint - the hosts have killer shoes!)

And speaking of shoes - and the only thing that has truly made my day better so far - is this fantastic pair of Timberland boots that Lucky and Timberland just sent me:

When I started writing this post, I was actually slightly depressed.  Then, halfway through, UPS rang the doorbell and these beauties showed-up!  I love that they are somewhat steampunk, yet rugged, really well-made and super comfortable.  I can't wait to go through my closet and find just the right outfits for them!  Also, how great is this labeling?!  (Perfect to discuss at my EcoFashion Class at Parsons on Thursday.)

That's what I'm talking about.  AND they have teamed-up to give YOU a discount!  Save $20.00 off any purchase of $125.00 or more at Timberland Stores and ONLINE through October 12, 2010.  Thank you Lucky and Timberland!

Happy thoughts!

Yours truly,

Alex

Mood Boards (Parsons Project)

Hi Nomads,

Here goes!  This is my first hands-on project of the semester...Mood Boards.  What do you think?  (Please be honest!)

Please leave a comment below!

Yours Truly,

Alex

Dock Dreams

Ciao Nomads!

I am taking a class on Color Theory at Parsons this Fall and I just had to write a description about a color memory.  I wanted to share it with you, so here it is:

One of my favorite places in the world is Lake Sunapee, NH. I have gone there every summer since I was about five years old and have only missed two years! It means a lot to me because my "Framily" spends one whole week together there every year. (Friends that feel like chosen Family = framily.)

One week every year I get to lie on the dock and watch the sun rise and set. I watch Framily come and go via boat (the house is on an island) with Philippino bayongs filled with food and drinks that have traveled from CT, MA, NH, NJ, NY, VT, and Toronto. We hug, we kiss, and we catch-up with each others lives for the past year. We practice Slow Food around a large round table with a massive lazy susan, no TV, no Computers (unless it's for homework), kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, art and more. We learn new things or re-learn things we have forgotten and we tell terrible jokes when we've had too much to drink. I guess it's clear that I could go on and on, and I apologize if I have done. For me, this place is only part of the sum of my experiences. But it is nearly the first I think of whenever I'm asked and I can see it creeping in to my design life.  When I dream, I tend to use worn leathers, natural neutrals (think Camel, Sand, and Sky Blue), and pops of sunset and sunrise colors in all of my designs.  I'm excited to see what happens

Yours Truly,
Alex

77th Annual League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

Here's the loot I picked-up at the 77th Annual League of NH Craftsmen's Fair at Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, NH.  I don't remember ever having gone to this fair before, but I will never miss a year now if I can help it.  Had I not just taken out all those school loans for my year at Parsons, I would have brought as much cash as I could have and bought all my birthday and Christmas gifts for family and friends for the next year.  But as it was, I had to extremely limit myself to three vendors that I just couldn't walk away without something in hand (and which I could actually afford!)!

My first purchase was from the Cheryl Kumiski Glass Studio in Booth 307 - 13 hand-made buttons!  (I might make a bib-like necklace which I am seeing everywhere now!!!)

(I love the circuit board, square button!)  Cheryl was unbelievably nice and super-talented.  My mother also purchased a few things from her - namely a new necklace that she wore for the rest of the day (and we stayed for 6 or more hours!)  [Please note: I tried to link to her website, which you can try to google, but I got a malware warning, so I can't recommend it to you.  However, she will be at the Newport Arts Festival on August 28 & 29, 2010 with her glorious stained glass and ephemera.]

Just a few tents away, I found Bar Harbor Classics in Booth 107 and purchased this amazing embossed, calf-skin bag:

I love the unusual shape (plus, it folds flat!) and John Milligan was so kind to me.  I truly hope I get to work with him in the future, he seems like a genius!  Check out these two photos I took in his booth:

I loved the yellow stingray leather in the middle - what a great eye for color!  And my last purchase of the day was the photo cards from Seacoast Impressions by Neil Troost in Booth 208:

They have unbelievable depth and the color is truly wonderful.  I can't wait to either frame these or send them to family in England (wish they could be here to enjoy Lake Sunapee!).  I also got to try out a few techniques since there were wonderful craftsmen (and craftswomen) there to teach!

Here I am learning how to weave a pattern with the NH Weavers Guild in Tent Z (thank you for being so kind to me!):

I love how you can see where people have stopped and started - this piece will certainly tell a story!  I also spoke to Beth Lux in Tent U about pleating, smocking, embroidery and our favorite Fabric Manipulation book (on Amazon HERE):

That second photo is this fantastic, little pleating machine that looks incredibly hard to set-up!  Look at Beth's amazing smocking in the last photo - beautiful!  And lastly, but one that absolutely blew me away, was Faith Fellows fine hand-beaded designs in leather, basketry & fiber in Booth 413:

Here are some closer images:

(Aren't those belts stunning?!)  I unfortunately could not afford any of these items at this time, but she had low prices considering the time and effort in each piece.  I almost imagined little faeries running around helping her pick-out beads for each design.

Whew!  That was a long post, with lots of images that I hope will load quickly and show their work well.  It truly is the most amazing experience and I highly recommend it if you are in the area.

Happy hunting!

Yours Truly,

Alex