The Sweetly Sour

Sweet Feature: Ouch! Magazine

Chloe — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:08:56 +0000

Huge thanks to Ouch! Magazine for featuring me in their holiday issue as part of the Ouch! blogger movement. I got to style my favorite fall trends – from peplums to oxblood – my way. Pick up a copy for yourself at Barnes and Noble and check out their website.

Sweet Designer: PRE- Tees

Chloe — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 22:32:33 +0000

Let’s be honest here, I’m all about a vintage dress. But when Saturday rolls around sometimes all I want to do is bum around in a tee and jeans. But even then, there are tees (the kind you grab from the bottom of your best friend’s closet when you really have nothing else to wear) and then there are tees. Like, the kind that you can wear in public and not hope you don’t run into anyone you know. The kind that you don’t worry your roommates are totally judging you about wearing. It’s not my fault I have judgmental friends! But anyway, cool t shirts. PRE- makes them. PRE-makes a lot of them. And it’s awesome.

First of all, the graphics are really cool. PRE-’s first collection is called “Spies Like Us” and – you guessed it – the graphics are spy-themed. And as a girl who has watched every single James Bond film at least twice (No shame. Actually. Zero shame.), I’m a big fan. A personal favorite is the Morse Code tee, which features the lyrics to Pulp’s song “I Spy”. PRE- are “intelligent tees”…ok, they don’t talk or anything, but there’s always a story behind the designs, a short version of which is printed on the inside label. Also, the t shirts are unisex and beautifully French seamed, so they won’t fall apart on you even after quite a few Saturdays. Plus, their Facebook page is awesome because they always post interesting historical tidbits, which is the sort of thing I love to see popping up on my newsfeed. Moral of the story: the team behind PRE- is just as cool as their tees.

Describe PRE- in a few words.

PRE- is creative, intelligent and dynamic. Our goal is to provide our customers with products that are conversation starters. Our team of four came together because we are passionate about what we do. We love the excitement that the ever-evolving fashion industry brings, but also appreciate things with longevity, such as history.What inspires you?

PRE- takes inspiration from history because it is so abundant with interesting material and has an inclusive continuity that we find compelling.

What makes PRE- tees “intelligent”?

Each PRE- graphic tee has a story printed on the inside-back explaining the historical context. The stories are what provide inspiration to the designs. This unique feature allows our tees to not only look good on the outside, but also provide our customers with intellectual value.

What’s your favorite PRE- design?

The “Spies in Film” design has garnered the most attention, but since we know the stories behind all the graphics it is very difficult to choose.

What inspired you to launch PRE-?

While Stephanie was studying fashion design, she was constantly asked by professors to provide specific inspirations for her designs, although sometimes there really weren’t any, she just felt like making the garments look a certain way. She thought hard to find a subject that was so broad that it would never run out of materials…and came up with history. Because history is so rich, it would be meaningful and gratifying for our customers to gain knowledge through each collection we develop.

What are your plans for the future?

This is our first collection, so we want PRE- to grow surely and steadily and eventually, create other kinds of garments and accessories. In the future, because of the educational aspect of our brand, we would love to design for kids as well.

pre-shop.co

Sweet Film: Expiration Date

Chloe — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:17:40 +0000

I may have mentioned how much I love my hometown of Seattle already…in fact, I definitely have. Probably multiple times. Because I really love Seattle. I don’t really know why but I do and it’s kind of silly because every time I go back I complain about the weather and then end up sitting in a coffee shop with the most pretentious cup of coffee saying, “damn, I wish I’d never left.”

That’s what initially drew me to “Expiration Date”. It’s an indie film set and shot in Seattle, and like a lot of indie movies that are set and shot in Seattle it’s clear that the people behind it love the city just as much as I do. The movie is full of little celebrations of the city, from shots of a family picnicking at the Seattle Asian Art Museum donut sculpture to the coffee shop the shared alley space with the infamous Pike Place Market gum wall.

But enough about my obsession with Seattle. “Expiration Date” is worth watching because despite the fact that it’s clearly independently made (read: super low budget) and the writing and acting can be shaky at times, I guarantee you will fall in love with it. The premise is a little eyebrow-raising: Charlie Silvercloud III (Robert Guthrie) has a family curse that destines him to be killed by a milk truck on his 25th birthday, just like his father and grandfather before him. Yes, a milk truck. So, a week before his 25th he’s picking out the perfect discounted casket when he meets Bessie (Sascha Knopf), who may or may not be dying as well. And then they fall in love and it’s adorable. Spoiler alert: when they’re in a cardboard box by the waterfront, they’re not getting on. He’s painting her toenails. Ah, young love.

Honestly though, if you have any inclination toward the Pacific Northwest, indie film or slightly silly rom-coms, watch “Expiration Date” posthaste. And then you’ll sound really cultured when you tell your friends about it. Maybe. In other news, Robert Guthrie looks kind of like “Benny and Joon”-era Johnny Depp…just saying.

Sweet Style: Varsity Blues

Chloe — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:13:07 +0000

jacket – Iris Basic
tank – American Apparel
skirt – vintage
shoes – vintage
purse – thrifted (from Housing Works)

Varsity jackets are my not-so-secret favorite new thing to wear. This one I borrowed from my roommate and conveniently failed to give back. It’s fleece-lined, so it’s just as comfy as a sweatshirt but I can actually wear it outside of the apartment without totally sacrificing my style standards. A varsity jacket and neutral tank is my go-to lazy day outfit now, but I wanted to look a little nicer so I added a vintage midi skirt and kitten heels. I love the gold buttons and pleating detail of the skirt. It’s made of wool, so this entire outfit is deceptively warm and cozy. Perfect for fall’s crazy temperature fluctuations (seriously, what’s up with that?).

This purple top-handle purse is one of my proudest thrift store buys – $2 at Housing Works. It way not be the highest quality purse ever, but the color is fun and versatile and the size is perfect for days I don’t need an entire tote to haul my stuff around. Well worth the $2. I mean, I couldn’t even buy a coffee with that kind of money.

Sweet Designers: Orly Genger + Jaclyn Mayer

Chloe — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 19:58:24 +0000

I love art. And I love jewelry. So when an artist and a jewelry designer team up I tend to get pretty excited, especially when the end result is mixed-media statement jewelry made of rope, enamel, plexiglass and metal. The influence of both artist Orly Genger and designer Jaclyn Mayer is clear on their pieces for OGJM Jewelry. The rope cuffs and enameled necklaces are innovative and artistic, but I also desperately want to wear them. If that doesn’t convince you, the line has been featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue and Art News, so I’m really not the only one who’s enamored with it. I was lucky enough to catch up with Jaclyn and hear about her creative process (and her favorite OGJM piece!). I just might end up buying a bracelet in every color…

How would you describe OGJM Jewelry?

Abstract, crisp, timeless.

What inspires you?

We’re always inspired by process. Working things out, playing with materials and colors is always our starting place. I’m a very hands-on person and I like working with materials and creating something that is both artistic and still functional.

What inspired you to launch OGJM?

I launched OGJM with the artist Orly Genger. We decided it would be fun to team up and see what we could do together with her art and my designs.

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry from the line?

The Annabelle bracelet! It can be worn with everything and I can always change the color depending on my mood.

What are your plans for the future?

Keep working and see where it takes us! That’s always the plan. We have some collaborations coming up as well.

www.jaclynmayer.com

Sweet Style: Vintage Necklaces

Chloe — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 04:35:59 +0000

I love vintage jewelry. It’s kind of my personal indulgence. A lot of my vintage jewelry was given to me by my mom, including three of the necklaces in the picture above (the purple cut glass, the pearl and the enamel mouse), and may be that’s why it’s so special to me. But I also love the idea of wearing jewelry that has a story, that’s unique, that no one else will have. Especially with my budget, which means that basically my only other jewelry option is buying from places like Forever 21. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s just not personal in the same way.

I bought this necklace after a couple weeks of deliberation because it cost a little more than I wanted to spend, but I’m glad I went back for it. I don’t know exactly when it’ was made, but since the pendant is ivory it’s at least from before ivory trade was banned in 1989. Not particularly helpful I know. I love how delicate and timeless it is and wearing it always makes me feel pretty.

This necklace basically kickstarted my obsession with costume jewelry. There’s a huge antiques warehouse on the waterfront in downtown Seattle that I love to just wander around and look at, and they always have a couple of jewelry bins that are fun to pick through if you have the time. This necklace was by far the best $4 I’ve ever spent there. I love wearing it with a collared shirt, because I’m secretly really into that whole wearing statement necklaces over collared shirts trend.

Sweet Designer: Olcay Gulsen

Chloe — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:31:31 +0000

Olcay Gulson designs her line for independent, creative women – and she might as well be talking about herself. The Dutch 31-year-old started her first company at 21, has elevated cult label SuperTrash to European fashion stardom after becoming owner and creative director three years ago, and now is launching her own namesake line. Not to mention a gig judging Holland’s Next Top Model and work on Holland’s Project Catwalk, The Today Show and The Face and collaborations with American Express, Barbie and Samsung. But I guess it’s only natural for a woman who, when asked at age three what she wanted to be when she grew up, replied, ‘the boss’.

Now Olcay is moving from SuperTrash’s bright statements and girly zaniness to her own style of red carpet elegance. I’m talking snake print sky-high platforms (Eva Longoria’s a fan) and silver and rose gold lurex dresses. Olcay draws inspiration from living between New York, London and Holland, and her clothes mix European refinement with New York individualism. These are pieces for a woman who’s attractive because of her independence, not her cleavage, for a woman who’s not afraid to stand out in a good way.

My personal favorite piece is a lime green backless silk georgette evening gown. If I ever got a chance to wear an evening gown … ah well, a girl can dream.

www.olcaygulsen.com

Sweet Artist: Jan Hopkins

Chloe — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:47:49 +0000

Materials like citrus and cantaloupe peel, melon rind, seed pods and sturgeon skin don’t exactly sound like the makings of beautiful, delicate art pieces, but they are in the hands of Jan Hopkins. She uses unconventional materials and basketry techniques to create amazing sculptural items, from molds of women’s torsos to pairs or shoes, including a really neat pair supporting President Obama for the last election. They’re really beautiful. Her newest work is called “Oh Eleanor” , a tribute to Eleanor Roosevelt that’s the latest in Jan’s Women Icon Series. It’s a woman/teapot mashup with art noveau-inspired designs made of grapefruit peels and cedar bark. How cool is that? I got a little more insight into “Oh Eleanor” and as it turns out, the piece is just as political as it is sassy.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

I’m a fiber artist working with unconventional natural materials and I create basketry sculptures with unconventional techniques. Over the years my forms have evolved into narrative sculptural feminine forms, basketry, teapots and shoes. I have developed ways to preserve and retain the natural beauty of the materials and have created new non-traditional basketry techniques to create my work.

What inspires you?

I am obsessed with discovering new unusual but mundane materials. The concept and design of each piece has always been an important element of my work. I work passionately on the design of each piece to honor the concept.

Tell me a little more about “Oh Eleanor”. What inspired the piece?

“Oh Eleanor” is an homage to Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most outspoken first ladies of United States, known for her intelligence and concerns for women’s issues and human rights achievements. It was a piece that I had thought of doing for years, but never had enough time to do. I chose the quote: “Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are put in hot water” to portray her personality and her ability to speak clearly to get her message across.

“Oh Eleanor” is more whimsical than my previous pieces and intentionally a bit sassy. The complex design strives to capture the look of art nouveau flames moving up from the base of the piece, which are made of grapefruit peels, and steam made of thinly stripped and stitched cedar bark. I researched to find materials that would resemble teabags and the closest I came were ginkgo leaves. I used these on the top part of the bodice along with looped lacy waxed linen creating a period style dress form. The design for spout and handle is purposefully asymmetrical to visually create the feeling of a teapot rather than arms.

When I was a young girl, my dreams were to become a fashion designer. I look back at this piece and I feel like somehow without realizing it I fulfilled my childhood dreams. Or maybe it was just fate.

What are your plans for the future?

“Oh Eleanor” will be at the Bellevue Arts Museum Biennial, and then after the exhibit the piece will have a new home. It was purchased by the Kamm Teapot Foundation!

janhopkinsart.blogspot.com

Sweet Style: Little House on the Prairie

Chloe — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:49:34 +0000

dress – vintage (from eBay)
belt – thrifted

Ok, so I’m kind of addicted to buying vintage clothes on eBay now. It shouldn’t be allowed. This dress isn’t even my style! But it looked so good in the photo … and it was only $15 … and it’s my favorite color … and I love getting packages in the mail! So long story short, I bought it and now I actually really like it. The whole “prairie” look isn’t usually my cup of tea but I really like this particular shade of purple, and the lace collar is really sweet and girly.

And we all know how much I enjoy a good midi skirt.

Sweet Event: Los Angeles Fashion Council Spring/Summer ’13

Chloe — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 23:22:23 +0000

This Thursday, I took the day off work, put on my best pleated midi skirt (ok, I actually only have one) and grabbed a bus up to Carondelet House for Los Angeles Fashion Council’s presentation of choice looks from some of LA’s top fashion talents. LA Fashion Week is here, baby! Luckily the rain didn’t start pouring down until after I’d got myself inside, but it meant a lot of running late, no-shows and complaints about the weather. Come on guys, I’m from Seattle. Where I come from, this would be called a nice day out.

First was Luciana Salamone’s collection of ethereal off-white and beige dresses. Despite the color palette and French-maid style caps, there was no mistaking these for wedding dresses. She’s definitely jumping on the exposed nipples trend, but it was done in such a beautiful and romantic way. Yes, I really did just say that. No, I’m still not planning on wearing see-through clothes.

The atmosphere (and seating arrangement) made a bit of switch for Kittinhawk‘s dark, moody presentation. I had heard of Kittinhawk’s handmade reconstructed jewelry before, but I didn’t realize that Allysun Maria Dutra also designed clothes. As it turns out, her collections complement each other perfectly – drapey, dramatic dresses in stark black or white and accented with raw, simple jewelry. The models paraded out to organ music, stood in front of a giant white triangle as video of women crying and touching their faces was projected on it, and then did a sort of ritualistic Black Swan-type dance. It sounds totally off the wall, and it was, but the presentation actually complemented the clothing perfectly. And Allysun really knows how to work pink eyeshadow.

After that I spent some time ogling over Gilda Grey and Shallow Fashion jewelry. I chatted with designers from both lines, who were all around very sweet and just made me want to buy all the jewelry. Specifically, a Gilda Grey‘s geometric silver pearl- and rhinestone-embellished necklace and Shallow Fashion‘s smokey quartz necklace and earring set. Both struck a perfect balance between eclectic and romantic. Yes please!

Lastly, I want to mention how gorgeous Carondelet House is. So gorgeous. Especially since it’s a block off Wilshire and right across the street from a middle school. I kind of want to get married there someday.

Big thanks to LA Fashion Council for having me and I can’t wait for the rest of LA Fashion Week!