Girl or Boy?

Achilles (21)

...flat chested model girl, or androgynous pretty boy? I'm not really sure (and the name isn't helping much either) but I love how she/he just threw on that boxy sweatshirt and tore up pants and made it look totally hot...

Inspiration, lessons learned, and new discoveries

*all images are from Third Floor's Fall 2009 line *

Every time I look at my brothers artwork, it makes me remember why I love fashion. It seems strange because he likes to create iron clad zombie warriors and grotesque (yet at the same time, strangely sexually appealing) alien troopers, with armor attached by body piercings (some of my favorites)

It does make sense though, if you knew me (way back when...) I began my schooling as a Costume Design Major. My internship was at the Dallas Theater Center. I learned a lot, technically while slaving away (8 hours a day) sewing costumes. The designer that I had the "pleasure" of working alongside, took great enjoyment in her role as "mentor" and choose to rule over her interns with unjust authority. To give you just one example, she once decided that the faux fur (which SHE purchased for a female character) was the wrong shade of green. Arming me with several markers and a plastic comb, she had me sit for DAYS recoloring a full length shaggy coat to the "correct" shade. And, as you may have guessed, recoloring fake fur with markers makes for one disgusting, sticky mess that even a bag lady wouldn't be caught dead in. ...but I digress...the most important lesson I learned was that I leaned MUCH more towards the fashion side than theater.

But, I continue to be inspired by costumes (particularly those created for science fiction) armor, military uniforms, and technical sportswear. Which is why I was totally blown away by these pieces, and this labels ability to mix all these things (that I have always loved best) into an amazingly fresh men's line that blows me away! Make sure to check out the rest of Third Floors Fall 2009 line here. It almost makes me wish I were a man ;)

Those Eyes

...been messin' around with these images that I took of Devon at the dog park (these were taken seconds before she was bulldozed by an overzealous lab/pit puppy) She's all eyes, something she definitely got from her father...

What's in Store

Here's a sneak peek at what's in store for our children's line when I return from vacation:

(left to right)

1. French Chic Skirt

2. Pretty in Plaid Jumper

3. Fairy Tale Tank

Yes, I like to name the items before they are even constructed, but these designs have been bouncing around my head for awhile now. I also have a wonderful yarn dyed, cobalt shot cotton. It's perfect for a breezy summertime smock (I found the perfect floral trim to compliment it from JMarieDesigns) And I have the softest creme, mico-brushed twill (which I intend to fashion into dainty Capri's with rustic, brown denim piping)

Just like dad

We're really getting a lot of mileage outta this striped thermal
I've put both of our Etsy boutiques in vacation mode (although I'll still be around for a little while longer) I just want to catch up on existing orders and finish some custom work that I'm doing for my brothers beautiful girlfriend, who recently shaved her head, so I'm SUPER inspired to focus on her piece before I leave town ;)

Today's Fashion Inspiration

I have a ton of sewing and house work planned for today. Although, I'm not a fan of staying in your PJ's 24/7, wouldn't it be lovely to catch up on all your chores like this? Devon could lounge about in her thermals and some swingy cotton eyelet top

...she's my everyday inspiration...

Summer Sunset Halter

On my way to pick up Isaac from work, I couldn't help but notice how amazing the sunset reflecting off the Dallas skyline was! Those beautiful hues immediately made me think of this quirky little trim that I got from my sister (a nubby strip of yarn that she tied around the neck of a plushie gift for Devon) I've always loved that tiny piece of yarn, and how perfect is it with the last little bit of my dove grey, Japanese double gauze? I'll be listing it in our boutique, but not tonight. I'm going to be sweet and let Isaac have his game time..for now;)

Super Chunky Zippers

Way back in the day (in 1998) I did a maxi denim skirt detailed with super chunky zippers and orange stitching. It had a 36" zipper up the center front and 5" zippered pockets. I used to wear it everywhere with wristbands and a huge (pipe cleaner permed) Afro...pretty funny, huh? Anyways, since I still have a giant basket full of those zippers, I've been thinking about making something for Devon with the 5" zips. I kept imagining her in tight, punk rock pants with fat back zippers... so I knew the fabric needed to be something with stretch, a huge comfort factor, and a substantial weight (to hold those chunky zips) Then finally, I found the perfect knit at Bamboo Wonders. Although, I'm not offering these pants in our Etsy (the look just doesn't work with the rest of our items) I still have tons of 5" zips left to make more for anyone who's interested;)

Cutest vintage find EVER!

...and it's a perfect fit!

Shelvage Vest

Check out our newest women's wear piece here

Street Tuff

...yes, she's holding a bolt in her hand... when I tried to take it away, she hugged it and said "ahhhhh!" (like it was a doll or a puppy) ...throw'in rock hard looks...Devon's received so many compliments on her new bike pants, I went ahead and listed them in the store. Check out more pics here

Every time I take Devon outside to play, I am constantly reminded of how "un-child friendly" this place really is. There's cigarette butts EVERYWHERE, broken glass, rusty bolts and razorblades...YAY! At least Devon will grow up street tuff :)

An eye for vintage

My friend , Hilari has definitely been bitten by the vintage bug. I've seen her countless times in the hallways (we live on the same floor) always in the perfect piece. I knew right away, that I would be like a "kid in a candy store" in her wardrobe. But I could never have imagined the truly immense size of her closet! We live in industrial loft spaces and (let me tell you that) it takes up a VERY large portion of her loft. Considering her expertise in selecting the most beautiful vintage dresses (her taste in color, print, and silhouette is flawless) I told her that she should very well consider a career as a personal shopper. I can't wait to get a little bit of free time for a shopping excursion with Hilari at Ahab Bowen :)

Milk

...just got the new issue of Milk Magazine, which I'm convinced is the cutest children's fashion mag...ever. It's French but comes with English texts....

LOVE this little French girl who has the cutest "bratty" look...the detailing (and color) in this children's frock is amazing...LOVE the origami triangles at the hem!
normally, I'm not a fan of giant bows, but this one works so well (since it's a muted pallette) and the model is adorable...

I REALLY want to make Devon a playhouse bunkbed! I would have gone nuts for this room as a little girl:)

Etsy Love

Straight from the shoulder top

paperbag skirt
safari dress

Just wanted to share with you an awesome Etsy find, Neneee! I'm a total sucker for reworked and redesigned streetwear and Val has the cutest street style I've seen in awhile. She's also the model:) I don't usually buy clothing for myself, but I just had to get the "straight from the shoulder" top in black. It shipped very quickly, is beautifully sewn, and she also sent a cute pair of tights as a "thank you" gift! I'm a big fan of the way that she styles each outfit... cute shoes, hats, hair. It cracks me up that her shop title is....ugly is the new pretty!

Devon's Sunday

..on Sundays, Devon can hang out all day with Daddy...

...couldn't resist getting a shot of the shorts with the candy machine. I eventually broke down and got her some m&ms... Devon definitely has a thing for graffiti art. Our walls at home are just as colorful...
After we spent the morning exploring Deep Ellum, we took Devon back to the Dallas Aquarium . It's been 9 months since her last visit. Looking back, I'm amazed at how much she's grown! I mean, she couldn't even walk last time... and this time she was into everything!

...Isaac and I love this shark...doesn't he have the greatest lips?

Striped Skinnys

Devon took a super long nap today. While she slept, I made some Striped Skinny's for our Etsy boutique. I lOVE them paired with our Nautical Tank as a PJ set. Those super fitted cuffs and that deep round neck make me smile:) you can check it out here. I also made her some rainbow striped bike pants. I can't wait to shoot her in super fitted, rainbow bright shorts (with a basic black beater and her black and pink pumas).

Summer Shades Playsuit

Devon models our newest piece, the Summer Shades Playsuit. Check out more pics of Devon in this cute onesie here