The Creative Cookie

Self-Interview

Ok, so I'm  going out on a fashion limb, here's an interview with me by me (using the style questions that I've received this year from my friends, family, and students:). I hope you find it fun!

Q: Do you ever wear jeans?

A: Yes, once every other blue moon. I have two pairs, Levis and a  pair from Custo Barcelona (my faves). Blue jeans look good on others but they make me feel, ummm, er, blue.  It's hard for me to find the perfect fit, wash, denim weight, length, comfort, etc. In my opinion, jeans are like boyfriends you have to keep trying them until you find the one you love. I've never been much of a dater.

Q: What's on trend for spring 2013?

A: Fashion for me is about fun, artful, quality pieces that can be kept for years. I enjoy trends from afar but I'm into unearthing pieces that fit into my style to create an overall look. I like to make my own trends -- I'll be wearing 50s inspired dresses and bold floral prints this spring.

Q: Describe your style.

A: I tend to mix vintage, vintage inspired, and modern garments with basics. I've always been on the conservitave side. I'm somewhere between a foxy Librarian and a quirky-nerdy teacher. Ha! 

Q: Where do you shop?

A:  Rarely in New York -- only because I like to save my money to shop when I travel!

Q: What's one accessory that you can't go without?

A: GLASSES -- I've been bespeckled since I was 6 years (love them love them love them) ohhh, EARRINGS too!

Q: What's the one thing you'll never wear?

A: A black coat. Black is super chic but New York City is a sea of black outerwear in the winter. I like to bring the color no mater the season. Right now I'm wearing a plaid jewel tone number from the 90s that I picked up from Miss Master's Closet.  

Q: Did you make that?!

A: No (my response like 90% of the time). I'm drawn to wearing things that look like I made them. I love dresses, skirts and tops with a tactile quality. However, this spring/summer my response will change.  I have a bunch of 'Lesley Ware' creations on my studio cutting table. Yes, yes, YES!

♥♥♥♥

The Creative Cookie hosts Brett and the City Screening (pt. 2)

Last Tuesday I hosted the Brett and the City Screening at Professor Thom's in Manhattan. After I got over the massive butterflies in my belly it ended up being a fun evening with lots of laughter and smiles!

BoBo, Brett's beloved monkey, was my date at the after party. I kept him nicely tucked away in my dress pocket:). Meanwhile, kamau, my lovely hubby took oodles of pix of the super fab party goers. Click here to see more!

I wore a patchwork print vintage sundress from Black Bear!

photo: © kamau ware 2012

Be sure to watch the 1^st episode of the series on YouTube (warning: the opening scene is inappropriate).

Blame It on the Rain

It's a rainy morning in New York City so I thought it would be fun to post this series of photos taken by photographer Jay B. We met as I was leaving the train, to head home, and decided to have a mini shoot on the sidewalk. I was wearing:

vintage rain coat by Doncaster, a sweet simple dress designed by me (it was upcycled from an old curtain), tights from We Love Colors, and neon green flats from Kennith Cole (also a thrift store find)

I love street style. I'm always looking at what people are wearing to get inspiration for my own creations. It's nice to get spotted from time to time too! Thanks Jay for taking these super cute pix:).

Have a happy blue Monday!

Photographer: Jay B. © 2012

Manhattan Vintage Show

The Manhattan Vintage Show is a two-day shopping extravaganza that draws celebrities, designers and the fashion savvy. For the past few years it's been a hot spot for me when seeking inspiration and shopping for unique vintage pieces. I almost purchased my wedding gown from a dealer at the show a few years back. There are many oldies but goodies to choose from!

This year's show dates fell, at the end of April, during the time while I was traveling. So, I asked Liza & Reina, a stylish mother daughter duo, to attend in my absence.

Check out some of their finds:

Reina in 1960's groovy shades with chain earring combo

1970's Silk Maxi Dress- to die for!

 

Eye candy from Olive's Very Vintage, Brooklyn NY

Yes, DROOOLING! 1970's Lizard and snake skin shoulder bag

More vintage eye candy -- we can never get enough - Dolce Gabana, Christian Dior, Bulgari, oh my! Duchess Arts & Antiques, NYC

Reina trying on a tiara from Olive's

Gloves & assorted broaches from Daybreak Vintage Clothing, Albany NY

photos: Liza Quinonez © 2012

Narrative Pieces

I'm writing from my new apartment burrowed between a dresser, a white board, two boxes of books, and my stepson's guitar -- this is my temporary office space. Last week we moved and we're in the process of unpacking (womp womp womp).

On the bright side our space is SUPER fab!

A major outcome of this move has been an edit of my beloved collection of clothes. I gave to friends, donated items, and sold many things. Fashion has been my companion -- a friend who has traveled the distance, literally covering my back, on my journey from Michigan, to Pittsburgh, and ultimately New York.

After all of the purging and storing, when we arrived, I discovered that my new Brooklyn closet is still a tad too small for what I wanted to keep...and so the editing of coveted clothes continues. This ongoing refinement and letting go is allowing me to curate a collection of clothing that reflects the person that I am now. There was never really a need to hold on to the power suites, navy pumps, Girl Scout twin sets, unflattering vintage pieces, or once worn sorority ball gowns from college.

I'm living in a different world; what I wear should reflect who I am now.

Clothing holds our history and each piece tells a story making it hard to part ways. I hope the things that I no longer own find their way to someone who will love, wear, and care for them as I once did.

Here's the list of Brooklyn stores that I sold, traded, or donated to -- be sure to check them out:

• Beacon's Closet 
• Black Bear
• Pony
• Housing Works
• Saint Marys Church (salvage bureau)

If you are thinking of doing a major edit, email me...I'd love to share encouragement and the wisdom that I've gleaned in the process of purging 186 pieces.

It's liberating to let go (making a little space for the new, of course;)

little blue jacket

It was so cool bumping into Shervin, of Shervin's World, while running errands in Soho one Thursday afternoon. I was wearing my favorite little blue vintage jacket w/ medallion print, metallic dress, vintage accessories, and Ivana Helsinki tote. Here's a photo see another here.  

photo: shervin © 2011

Do you have a favorite vintage jacket this fall? I'd love to see some photos in my inbox of how you wear it:).