My First Ever Fashion Show

So I don't know if you guys know this yet, but I am going to New York Fashion Week (yes, using my vacation time and my own hard earned money for the travel and accommodations) and I must say that I am pretty friggin' excited.

I got my "in" from The Fashionable Housewife (a thank you Sarah-Jean) and am attending a Glam Media dinner in her stead. This dinner itself makes me pretty happy because it is at the restaurant at Barney's, which, hey, is pretty much a few steps up from where I usually dine.

So the dinner is one thing but the equally as exciting thing? It's my first ever fashion show which is legit part of New York Fashion Week. Through Glam Media, I got myself a pass to the Improvd show at Lincoln Center. What's up, Big Time? OK, I take back that this is my first ever fashion show. I was actually a model in a vintage clothes show for my hometown's Women's Club back in High School... it was a resume builder OK? Anyway, I am psyched about the Improvd show because I really don't know what to expect here... but I do expect to have fun.

Other things I plan to check out on my short stay in NYC? Mood Fabrics (hello Project Runway Fabric store where I will want to purchase fabric to make things with), the Improvd Manhattan store, Bryant Park and Lincoln Center dressed up for Fashion Week aaaaaaand possibly the Uniqlo store in Soho. I went once in London and I have been salivating over my return ever since.  

I will surely be updating on my adventures from my train ride down to my stay in Long Island City (Hey, do you think I could afford to stay in the City close to where I needed to be? Dream again, ladies.) to my exploration of the Garment District. I am just crossing my fingers for good weather 'cause Mama has a brand new pair of Farylrobin's to rock for Fashion Week!

Vote for my Lucky Mag Contributor Entry!

I am totally going for a loooooooooooong shot and entering to be a contributor for Lucky Magazine, which to me seems like such an awesome opportunity. If you are feeling fanciful and giving of your "click" then I would certainly appreciate a vote from you so that I can make it into the next level of competition! Who know... what is that saying... you miss 100% of the shots you don't take? Pure Cheeze but truth. You can vote for my entry here!

Muppets and Nail Polish, Dreamy.

Is anyone else majorly excited about the Muppet Line of nail polish from OPI that is hitting stores this November in honor of the release of the new Muppet movie? Phew, well I know that I am chomping at the bit here! Such cute names (as always) like Fresh Frog of Bel Air, Excuse Moi!, Gone Gonzo, Wocka Wocka, Gettin' Miss Piggy With It and Meep Meep... these are pretty much going to be my favorite nail polishes for the foreseeable future. I mean c'mon people, have we ever seen the masterpiece that is Muppet Treasure Island? Helloooooo.

via InStyle

Blast from the Past, Friendship Bracelets

Honestly, I don't know when friendship bracelets came back into style but seriously I don't care... do you know why I don't care? Because I have been secretly making friendship bracelets all these years waiting for the resurgence to arrive and now that it has, I am basking in the glow, knowing that I rock and rock hard. Obvi, I have been making the simple braided version with embroidery floss since I learned how to braid. The more difficult bracelets, well they take some practice (check out this nifty DIY tutorial from Honestly WTF) and you don't always want to give your friends the fugly bracelets you make. Whether you call them friendship bracelets or buddy bands, they are back!

 Friendship Bracelets #1, Friendship Bracelets #2, Friendship Bracelets #3, Friendship Bracelets #4

Want to know something that you probably didn't know or want to know about friendship bracelets? "The knotcraft and hand weaving used to create traditional patterns stems from Native American handcrafts, particularly from Central American tradition. According to indigenous tradition, the recipient of a friendship bracelet must wear it until the cords wear out and fall off naturally. (I have actually done this!) The idea is that the friend paid for it with the hard work and love that made it, and the recipient repays the friend by honoring the work. Removing the bracelet before it naturally falls off is a sign that the friendship has gone sour (what if I accidentally lost it because I have unnaturally thin wrists?). Another variation of this tradition is that the recipient of a bracelet is entitled to a wish. After the bracelet wears out and falls off naturally, the wish will come true (I wish I had wished I wouldn't lose my friendship bracelet)." (Thank you, Wikipedia)

 

Anyways, I am thinking of setting up camp and busting out some new bracelets.Who wants in on a crafting party where we make bracelets, watch Are You Afraid of the Dark? and eat Pizza Rolls?

Rachel Roy Ready To Wear Fall 2011

I LOVE Rachel Roy. She has to be one of my top 5 designers because not only do her clothes rock my house, she is absolutely beautiful, charming and charitable. I have only been able to afford her clothes from RRR (Rachel Rachel Roy) but they have been super exceptional and even dreamier in person! I am saving for this Gypsy Jacket, because I cannot stopping thinking about it but in the meantime, I am totally drooling over Rachel Roy's RTW Fall 2011 line. I love layering and boy did that girl layer on the layers! I am waiting for the day where her lines disappoint me... and it hasn't happened yet. Check out some of my faves:

What do you think? Are you in adoration of Rach, just like me?

photos via Style.com

Lady I Love: Lucille Ball

I go through phases of "crushes" I guess you could call them. My most recent crush? Lucille Ball. Yes, I know that she is no longer with us but that doesn't mean that I can't still totally admire her career, her super sultry stylings and he oh so glamorous photos. Besides Amy Adams, this is the woman who has always made me want to go red.  Lately, I have been reminded of her. August 6th would have been her 100th birthday and Google celebrated on their home page. Fast forward to this past Saturday, which I had to myself due to the man being at a Bachelor Party. I whipped out some of my "old" movies... one of which was Yours, Mine and Ours (1968), which I happen to love.

So as you can imagine, I have had Lucy in the brain... and these are some of my favorite shots of her. She is glamorous but a little unconventional at the same time. Old Hollywood glamour is where is at. Yet another lady I love.

Alice + Olivia Fall 2011 Ready to Wear

I have to say that out of all the current fashion designers putting forth fashion genius these days, I am feeling very strongly in favor of anything Alice + Olivia. Their Fall 2011 RTW (ready to wear in case you are out of the fashion loop) line is no exception. My daydreams of excursions in their most recent looks were extensive.

Some of my favorites are included here. They range from preppy to colorful to printed to embellished to vintagey and back again...

 

I think my favorite look is most definitely the color blocked red and black dress, little fur caplet I can do without (although it does have an Old Hollywood feel to it). What do you think? Is Alica+Olivia spot on for Fall or will you be look elsewhere for fashion inspiration?

Photos via Style.com

Changing the Direction...

I have been thinking a lot lately about changing the direction of my blog, ever so slightly. I am in NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM giving up crafting or handmade lovin' stuff but I sort of want to add fashion and beauty stuff in here as well. I mean I LOVE to check out the latest fashion and DIY it? You know?

What could it hurt to bring a little style, shopping and girly love to an already crafty, handmade, extra curricular type blog? I don't think it would hurt one bit. So I am going to start sprinkling my new posts in here and there. For now, you can check out what I am doing over at The Fashionable Housewife and get ready for some fun over here.