Romantic Fantasies: Etsy Valentines 2011

Coral & Black 'Betsey' Silk Halter Bralette

From Hopeless

 

I Heart You - Veil

From PixelandHank

Dita Love - Vintage Gold Label - Couture fitted strapless dress

From PyxusPassionProject

 

DIY Christian Louboutin JOLI NOEUD Swarovski Crystal-Encrusted Mules

From RedoMyShoe

Vintage Brooch Bouquet - Handmade Peonies and Brooches - Made to order

From TheRitzyRose

 

Ooh la la 22x22inch pillow recycled felt applique pillow - oatmeal and red

From alexandraferguson

 

Eyeshadow Transformer - Metamorphosis - Organic

From orglamix

This season of love has inspired so many amazing handmade creations on Etsy, that it's making my head spin a little bit. So many caught my eye, but I just couldn't include them all here. These are my favorites, the best of the best. I hope this collection inspires you to craft or buy something special and handmade this year.

XOXOXO

Spring 2011 Couture: Elie Saab

 Now, I don't usually like to play up the idea of a strapless red carpet dress, (because this has been so overdone in the celebrity realm) however, there is something to be said for a perfect black strapless formal dress. This entire collection was amazingly flattering and tailored to perfection. Sometimes I'm surprised by how hard it is to find the right classic look for the right occasion. My hat is off to you Elie Saab, because I too am hot in pursuit of creating the perfect strapless special occasion dress.

Spring 2011: Dior Couture

John Galliano knows how to do that 40's-50's era so well. The contrast of a woman dressed in the softest pastels, with a face so sharply defined it could put Joan Crawford to the test! For me the most exciting item from this show was that blue hat. It is abstractly bird like, but at the same time it really does look like someone just drew it on top of her head and gently washed it with water colors. Amazing! I also had to throw this yellow strapless number in there. Nobody does classic couture like Dior.

I'm Waiting for You...

A favorite. Love the hypnotic nature of this song and the makeup...so, right now!

Inspiration taking flight...

 

 

Black velvet wall paper, and a Rodarte original sketch of the Black Swan costume. 

Movie Poster

Even before seeing "Black Swan" I was under the spell of birds wings and tulle poufs. But, once the credits began to roll, inspiration was taking hold. 

When Etsy picture day was at hand, we were lucky enough to have a fog bank roll into our back yard, so my husband said: "Hey, get your self together and lets get out there and take some amazing shots before the sun comes out! Hurry!"

I know there are more tutus to come and a few more Black Swan items up my sleeve, so stay tuned...

xoxo 

Dark Romance

 Dark Beauty

Hair of Flame

Starless Night

Raven's Wing

Images via http://fashiongonerogue.com/michelle-alves-karine-basilio-lofficiel-brazil-january-2011/

Make it Work!

This editorial is an excellent example of how a few cardboard cut outs, and a  beautiful outdoor setting can create a a story and make a statement. With the right vision, hard work, and  playfulness; art will ooze! I can't stand it when people who have so much talent let lack of equipment or not enough  money stand in their way of sharing their vision with the world. Make art, borrow a camera, make fashion, whatever, just MAKE IT WORK!

Images via Cut and Paste for Fashion Gone Rogue

Swiss Dot

 photo by Terry Richardson

 Balenciaga campaign featuring Jennifer Connelly

 Editorial featuring Chanel

Sarah Jessica Parker and Anna Lynne McCord

Are you loving this trend as much as I am? OMG, must get some polka dot tights STAT!

So sexy.

Turpentine Kisses

 

Cupid hath pulled back his sweetheart's bow

To cast divine arrows into her soul
To grab her attention swift and quick
Or morrow the marrow of her bones be thick
With turpentine kisses and mistaken blows

See the devil may do as the devil may care
He loves none sweeter as sweeter the dare
Her mouth the mischief he doth seek
Her heart the captive of which he speaks
So note all ye lovers in love with the sound
Your world be shattered with nary a note
Of one cupids arrow under your coat

And in the land of star crossed lovers
And barren hearted wanderers
Forever lost in forsaken missives and satan's pull
We seek the unseekable and we speak the unspeakable
Our hopes dead gathering dust to dust
In faith, in compassion, and in love 

 

This song "Cupid de Locke" by the Smashing Pumpkins circa 1995 represents so much high school heart break, romantic fantasy, and vivid imagery for me.  I am such a sucker for Valentines Day, just as much as I am a hopeless romantic. Hearts and kisses, ruffles and lace, love letters and Shakespeare, my head in the clouds.

Listen to it here.

xoxo

Just Like Old Times

I love this spread from Steven Meisel and Italian Vogue. It feels real. Like real film and living people. Digital perfection can be tiring. Seeing something like this is refreshing. Long live "The Power of Glamour"!

xoxo

PS The polk-a-dots are pulling me in.

A Tulle Fantasy

 I have spent a large part of the New Year working on filling orders for tutus. My sewing room has been a billowing cloud of peachy pink tulle. There is something timeless and so romantic about that effortless ballet chic. It has inspired me to add more styles and colors to my shop. Here's to cotton candy sunsets and pearly white boudoirs.

xoxo

Images from top:

SJP in Sex in the City, Dark Pony Designs , Carlotta Edwards Swan Lake Painting, L'Officiel Ukraine, Dark Pony Designs, my sewing table with tutu in progress.