Holiday Panorama Adelita Style

click on this panoramic collage for a closer look!

Here's to a lovely holiday! Lil Star and I embellished our tree in our own home-made Alice in Wonderland ornaments. See if you can find me scattered around the house decorating with Jelly. Of course I like to decorate in comfort and style, so I am wearing an Adea tank top from Italy, a Hollister cross-back gathered cami, some bootcut LTB jeans and my Kelsi Dagger wedges from Queen Anne Dispatch. I used this technique of panorama after Troy showed me his beautiful hotel photos from Hawaii. 

Christmas List: Item No. 2

Wildfox Couture "I Love Metal" Sweatshirt

My Little Rainbow approached me this Thanksgiving with an idea. T-shirts! We love Wildfox Couture. My D loves rock bands. Put the two together and you get what's on my list. This comfy cropped jock sweatshirt is the perfect compliment to what may prove to be another dumping of snow. But more importantly wearing this may also provide inspiration for my next project. I can't wait to see what Rainbow comes up with, can you?

What's on My Christmas List

Dear Santa,

No, you are not looking at couture for your tiny little elves, you are looking at a cat-astic line-up for a photoshoot from United Bamboo's 2011 Calendar. I'll be looking for this under my tree. It's the purrrrfect Christmas gift, don't you think? Oh and while you're at it, you can always include the one-shoulder top for big kittens like me!

P.S. Speaking of stylish kittens, a certain someone special is turning 50 today. Happy Birthday Hello Kitty, you look marvelous!!

Happy Hanukkah!

Pottery Barn's fancy schmancy menorah

Today I am thoroughly stressed out searching for my beautiful silver menorah from Pottery Barn. And I think it is ironically wrapped in Christmas tissue paper nestled among my ornaments in some bin. Or is it? Is it ironic?

In the 1900's, millions of eastern European Jews came to the United States and most especially to New York's Lower East Side. As the Jews assimilation into America's Christmas holiday became more of a pressure, they realized how Hanukkah might just be the marketable holiday for their children. So, they cast aside their secular Christmas trees and lit their menorahs, the Zionist recruited Einstein as a keynote speaker in Madison Square Garden for a Hanukkah fund raising event and after WW II when American Jews moved to the suburbs Hanukkah finally took it's place as their No. 1 holiday.

This may sound like a culture being robbed of their religion via commercialism but I look at this way, America's melting pot is just that, American. Different cultures strive to live together as they fight to maintain their separate identities. In the end Jewishness comes forth. 3 in 4 light the menorah and one little Korean girl is happy to celebrate with them. Happy Hanukkah to my lovely Jerri. Here is the Prayer for Lighting she recited for me:

Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner (shel) hanuka.

Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light[s]."

RED ALERT! Kate Moss's Final Topshop line (Or is it?)

Recieved this disturbing bit of news yesterday from WWD:

GOODBYE, BUT NOT FAREWELL: Kate Mossunveiled her last official collection for Topshop at the brand’s Oxford Circus flagship in London on Monday night. A crowd of about 200 shoppers who had been invited to the event filled the Kate Moss space, taking pictures of the model, grabbing fistfuls of clothing and listening to DJ Wildcat Will’s tunes. 

The collection — comprised of 109 styles — will be sold in Topshop stores worldwide as of today. Topshop owner Sir Philip Green said he and Moss would continue working together. “I’m not going anywhere and neither is she,” he said. “This collection still works, and our relationship hasn’t ended. But we now need to go away for a while, and think about how to do things differently. This collection takes a lot of hard work — she wants to do other things and so do I — but our relationship is as strong as ever.”

Green, accompanied by his daughter Chloe, who has just begun to work at Topshop’s parent Arcadia Group, said the collection was set to remain on the shop floor for three to four weeks — if it doesn’t sell out sooner. The new collection features some of Moss’ bestsellers and some limited edition items such as the floor-length emerald green gown. The bulk of the collection is new, however, and includes sequinned jackets, embroidered or fur-trimmed dresses, dramatic black feather stoles, fitted cardigans and lots of flower-print dresses.

This could mean a run at the banks for stylislady's checking accounts! The good news? If you didn't get it the first time, you can get it now. Many of the iconic pieces that sold out the first time around are now available again, but hurry! For God's sake HURRY!

Mara Fitch

Self Portrait by Mara Fitch. From acquaintance - to client - to friend, this fashion icon steals the spotlight from everyone in the room.

Mara is the perfect Demeulemeester "Pin-Up". Her effortless wavy, grey-streaked hair untouched, it seems, by comb, hair color or scissors frames her tiny face, a delicate mask of perfection, makeup free. Tall? Of course. Thin? Like a bird.

Dark and mysterious, quiet and strong. She spends her days reading piles of books, photographing self portraits and making beautiful jewelry. Her smart fingers weave, paint and craft. At night, she watches French films, drinks wine with friends, peruses blogs, reads more piles of books. She thinks, she researches.


But while I admire her beauty, her talent and demeanor, it is her love for fashion that resonates. It is what completes her and ultimately defines her. It's what sets her apart, confirming that loving something makes you beautiful.

Get her book here.

Black on Black

click on this image for a closer look.

Here I am playing with mixtures of feminine and masculine, much like Chanel does. Justin Gollmer and I shot this in his amazing new studio called Lucile. Here is a rundown on the goods:

1. Jeffrey Campbell lace up booty sans tongue, wear fun tights with these!!
2. Prada wedge, perfect with a wide leg pant.
3. Report Signature pumps, you know what to do with these.
4. Mara Fitch Jewelry aka Knitcake, layer these vintage babys on and even Karl Lagerfeld will swoon!
5. Betsey Johnson open-toed pump, throw on a fabulous 40's dress and go Swing dancing.
6. Juicy Couture jewelry boxes, I wear the bangles and showcase the boxes in my home. Bonus!
7. Matisse Joplin rocker boot, skinny jeans and a black tank will take you to the next level, add a touch of fur (or faux fur) and you're "Almost Famous."
8. My deliciously wicked and extra large Tano bag is not for the faint at heart. I carry my laptop in this one.
9. All props are stylist (that's me!) own.

So next time you want to grit up your look a bit, think Biker Chic meets Lacey Siren and bring out your Dangerous!

I want this!

This photo taken by Scott Schuman from The Sartorialist

I lost my mind when I saw this beautiful collection from Columbian designer Haider Ackermann. Color! It would take a team of stylist to outfit me in one of his drapey gowns, but I'm hardly complaining.

What Beauty Lies Beneath

Beneath 70 years of dust and cobwebs a "Sleeping Beauty's" treasures exploded into the art world proving that beauty never dies. Among the most valuable was a dreamy Giovanni Boldini portrait of his lover and muse, an actress who went by the name of Marthe de Florian. The woman, wrapped in a satin pink dress, was, in fact, the grandmother of the flats owner. Colored ribbons bundled passionate love letters from several powerful admirers of de Florian’s, but it was the love note from Giovanni Boldini that confirmed the auctioneer’s suspicions about the painting’s true identity. This beautiful story touched one admirer more than others- the highest bidder. Madame de Florian's painting sold for over 2 million euro.

On the eve of another photoshoot, a friend sent me news of this abandoned flat in Paris.

An old wooden stove and stone sink where time stood still.

A stuffed ostrich and a Mickey Mouse toy dating from before World War II.

Source: Winston Wächter Fine Art's eye on art

The Bliss of Water

For Lil star whose opportunity at folly is here in Seattle. Her blossoming fervor is mine too and I am passionately her mother.

Complacency is contagious and passion is hard to come by. Every day we live without enthusiasm is just another day we die. The happiest moments of my life were entrenched in chance resulting in ecstasy.  Every obsession I have explored has left me broke and empty; Every indifference, I remain the same. But isn't this saying something? When the water runs dry in a vessel, it's so we can fill it again. There is always something else. An explosion of bliss is so big that it paints the walls and ceilings startlingly blue and collects in pools around our feet. It envelopes us and time stands still. We no longer experience the ticking of the clock. Instead we feel everything. I live in Seattle where year after year, I only felt the seasons blurring into one another, I encountered time at it's essence. This summer while tortuous for some was my chance to turn the whole thing upside down and smell the bliss of grey. I wear it, I painted my walls in it, I step outside into it; True passionate weather experience. It sounds silly but this love of dreary has changed my life. You can be zealous about anything and it's something to be shared. It only becomes selfish when it has worn out it's welcome. I write this blog and share my thoughts and feelings when passion strikes and, frankly, I can't keep up with it.

Not Your Mother's Trench, Not Your Father's Bomber

Burberry was founded in 1856 arriving as a collection of sturdy outerwear. As it grew, the house outfitted the first expedition to the South Pole and even adapted coats for WWI soldiers. This is where their famous trench began. After several shifts into luxury branding, the name had become synomous with plaid and check patterned accessories and linings. Roberto Menichetti took the company to another level with the introduction of high fashion and Burberry Prosum in 1998 - Fall 2001. And in the Spring of 2002 Christopher Bailey, fresh from Tom Ford's Gucci, turned the conservative line sexy. Still London, still trenches and bombers but with a fusion of luxe punk. As Rachel Zoe would say, "I die!"

Meat Mess

Poor Cher, a true original, hugging a piece of meat.

Lady Gaga's meat dress?! Ewww. Didn't like it when they did it on America's Next Top Model and don't like it now! Ms. Gaga whined in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, "I meant no disrespect to anyone that is vegan or vegetarian." Later she retorted that the dress was meant to symbolize standing up for human rights, specifically addressing the fact that she's "not a piece of meat". Proving once again that trying too hard can never pay off. I find it interesting that in her quest to be herself, Lady Gaga has repeatedly copied not only musical and fashion icons, but stale ideas. "Not a piece of meat." Oh please. I'm with Camille Paglia on this one. As Madonna once sang, "Express yourself." My advice? Be yourself!

This post is dedicated to my beloved Dana.

Music Break

Let's take a little music break. The girls at the boutique like to listen to a lot of Indie Pop and have inspired me to take another listen. It's not just the twenty-somethings that enjoy this division of alternative rock, Lil Star is an avid listener and I've been dabbling since it's inception in the 80's. Post-punk bands like Echo and the Bunnymen were an integral part of my album collection. I continue to pop on a vinyl Smith's album to this day. So while I was putting together my playlist on my computer, I included a couple of current Indie favorites like Beach House. This Baltimore band consists of native Alex Scally and French-born vocalist Victoria Legrand. Tonight I am listening to Zebra from their 3rd album, Teen Dream. Legrand's voice is indeed so dreamy that the band has been classified as "Dream Pop." You can get it here!

Watch List

What's on my Ebay watch list? A Comme Des Garcons knit wrap, tiered silk skirt and Junya Watanabe denim blazer, a Yohji Yamamoto black pullover sweater, Elizabeth and James green peacock kimono, Sergio Rossi grey kitten heel pumps, Prada leather loafers, Tsumori Chisato stripped dolman sleeve sweater, Atsuro Tayama mohair vest, Marc by Marc Jacobs belted sweater, an Ann Demeulemeester black knit sleeveless wrap top and an Hermes gold scarf ring. Wish me luck!

When She Cares: The Next Generation

Most of the time Lil Star dresses in a style like a plain brown wrapper and because she is so utterly beautiful, she still manages to shine. As hard as she may try, she is a star. In the blackest sky she sometimes fades into the darkness but mostly she is a beacon. When she cares, she is the north star, flashy, distinct and standing out like no other. I encourage her caring about her clothing, her hair, caring for her skin and I know that she misreads my intention. I see every bit of her special potential inside and out. But some of that is natural beauty which is not to be dumbed down because society has gone so far off the deep end as to say that beauty is wrong or bad. It is not bad. It's the next generation but only if we are willing to admit that nature loves beauty and so do we.

The Death of the September Issue

 Relaxing in my vintage kimono perusing through the latest September issues.

I thought that W would be making a bold move with their new editor in chief Stefano Tonchi. (W is green with envy and so putting out a film much like "The September Issue" as well.) But, no. Tonchi talks about the cover and the new concept of W not being such a fashion obsessed magazine. Say what?

WWD: Have you made W less fashion obsessed?

Stefano Tonchi: From the cover, I would say probably yes. First of all, it’s the September issue, which is the big fashion issue, so we have a lot of fashion and we will keep having a lot of fashion in the magazine, but with many, many stories around the fashion portfolios. Last year, when I looked at the last September issue — and it’s more or less the same issue in terms of pages, we are about 60 pages more this year — there are really 106 pages of fashion pictures. This year, we still have probably more than 60 pages of fashion, but we also have more than 40 pages of stories that are fashionable, but not just pictures of clothes.

How effed up is that? "... pictures of clothes," he says. Hopefully all my angst was all a bit premature. Maybe 60 pages of fashion is enough. Maybe... NOT!

I have them- W, Vogue, Bazaar, every cover a celebrity and then there's Marie Claire. W has "Hollywood's New It Girls" on a gloss tri-fold but I much prefer the back of the cover with Dior's opulent fall ad showcasing a romantic leggy MODEL. Vogue threw Hallie Barry on the cover. Ummm, who cares?! Don't get me started on Bazaar, Jennifer Aniston's homage to Barbara Streisand, Oi pleez! 

Finally Marie Claire has the stunning style icon Mary-Kate Olsen on it's cover. Admittedly she is not a model but at least she is a designer who happens to dictate fashion trends. At LEAST!

"September" Before September

While I was waiting for my September issue fashion magazines to show up at my doorstep, I decided to watch "The September Issue". Touted as a documentary about the legendary Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of Vogue Magazine for the past 20+ years, I discovered that it was not about Her. It was about editing really. It was less about fashion and more about decisions. What goes, what stays. Still, that can be intriguing.

Like why on earth Ms. Wintour nixes half of an amazing 20's shoot from brilliant Fashion Editor/Stylist Grace Coddington. After all this issue, the September 2007 issue, was the largest magazine ever published weighing in at roughly 4 lbs! Why cut beautiful pictures of luscious models so you can print 22 pages of celebrity? If I see one more celebrity on the cover of a magazine I'll scream! If I see one more "wearable" garment in place of a juicy, fantastical, ridiculous dress, I will die.

If one is the "pope" of fashion as Ms. Wintour is, than why not make the next bold step. If you're going to dictate fashion, dictate it! Put models back on the cover. Forget the age issues and make an age column. We, I, NEED the fantasy that is fashion. I want American fashion magazines to take me there. Holding my hand is a paper thin portrait of a woman, a head taller than me and impossibly beautiful.

Not Your Mother's Pumps

Awww, pumps, stilettos, mary janes, heels, peep toes or platforms. Call them what you will but the classic pump has more choices than ever with saw soles, feather, lace, rainbows and chains. You can get them in patent leather, mohair or good old cowhide. Why not try on some with mountains of lace, a high victorian collar or a snake skin wrapper. Have you seen the ones with ribbons, swirly heels, glittery bodies and strappy harnesses? I'll take one of each please and yes, I can even see myself in the late oh-so-great Alexander McQueen's goat pumps with shotgun heels… for about 10 minutes. But, those would be THE most glorious 10 minutes of my LIFE!  

"For me fashion is always uncomfortable" Anna Dello Russo,

Editor at Large and Creative Consultant for Vogue Japan

row 1: Camilla Skovgaard, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Tokidoki, Lanvin

row 2: Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, Chanel, Valentino
row 3: Maniac , Christian Louboutin, Ricardo Tisci, Prada, Jimmy Choo
row 4: Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Zac Posen, Jeffrey Campbell, Moschino
row 6: Jimmy Choo, Elizabeth and James, Christian Louboutin, L.A.M.B., Dolce and Gabbana
row 7: Miu Miu, Christian Louboutin, Christian Siriano, Valentino, Alexander McQueen

Caught in the Act at Work!

On my second day at Queen Anne Dispatch, I was approached on the sales floor by another associate, "Would you mind posing for a photo for our blog?"

Clearly, this darling girl did NOT know who she was talking to. "I would LOVE to!" I chuckled. So here I am with an English Saddle tote in my fabulous sheer long white shirt also from the store. I wore it open, tied it in the back and paired it with my Miss Sixty boots. On top I wore a little studded sunshine tee from Target and below... the experiment. I was tired of these outdated jeans sitting in my closet so right before my shift, I grabbed a pair of scissors, lopped off the legs and folded the fray. Voila! Cut-offs! Errr, they ended up being a little tight. Girls, DO try this at home but use an old roomy pair of jeans and spare your thighs the strangle. But, you know me, I never mind suffering a little for fashion!

July Prize Winner!

 

July's winner is extra lucky! Dr. Susan C from Tehacapi, CA will be opening a triple treat! June's feature store Queen Anne Mail and Dispatch gave our lucky girl a great pair of Sanuk Ibiza Gypsy sandals with a 20% off coupon and Mark. Cosmetics contributed their Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint in Cheeky! Adelita Style put a little sugar on top with our signature chocolate lolli! The Fashionista Club's lucky winner will be showing off her pretty pedi in style; These great sandals will go from playful pool party to hot tub wine tastings without a glitch! Maybe we could convince her to share a snapshot with us all.

If you haven't signed up for our Fashionista Club yet, what are you waiting for?

You could be our next lucky gal!!

Just a Girl and Her Horse.

Becky Wilson took this gorgeous photo of Hannah
with her grandmother's prize-winning horse Mazarati

My niece Hannah graduated with a 3.97! Her academic achievements were rewarded with the Deans Scholarship, the Fund Scholarship and the Pacific NW Title Scholarship. But is was her love of sport, her volunteer spirit and most importantly her dedication to horses that further solidified those scholarships and awarded her one more, the OHSET Scholarship for her work in an equestrian team.

So called extra curricular activities are often the spearhead of a young persons continuing education. We should always remember our bliss, work for it, nurture it and follow it wherever it may lead us. Hannah's ambition for being a genuine cowgirl isn't just family tradition, "It takes a lot of time and practice as well as a lot of patience. I have been lucky enough to have a grandma who shares my passion and would do anything to help me become the best rider, and person I can be." She has been taught the difficult lesson of try, try again. Literally being knocked off and getting back up to do it all over again, those are the types of skills that will carry this country girl through her major of Sports Business with a minor in Spanish.

I am so proud of Hannah's achievements mostly because all along the way, she has been kind and giving. She followed her dreams and they rewarded her well. You see for this young woman, college isn't just horseplay.

She's Crafty!

 The Urban Craft Uprising was held at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall this past weekend. I took a quick stroll through the hallways between around 100 exhibitors of eco-friendly, recycled, crafty goodness and spotted a few that I thought you might like.

Trinity Cross and Paulie Anne Duke for Field Day Wearables

Field Day Wearables makes cute prints on hooded dresses and jumpers. I liked the little radish print. These girls run their business out of Oakland, CA where they offer 'wearable's made from recycled materials, bamboo and organic cotton all made, printed and dyed one at a time.

A customer tries on a Bella Sisters jacket

All Bella Sisters artful creations are made from more than 97% recycled materials. Each jacket has a hood and sleeves made from reclaimed wool, angora or cashmere so you can keep your hands and head warm without the bulk! And if you have long arms like me, you will appreciate these extra additions. Hand sewn appliqués, bustled backs, darling little buttons are just some of the fun details found on every unique clothing item.

 Sara Lansillotta of Devout Dolls laughs with a customer at her booth.

Devout Dolls specializes in 'oddities' dreamed up by creator Sara Lansillotta. Her two headed rag dolls are what pulled me closer and the 'forest friend' deer and 'octobabies' kept me giggling.

 

Jonah Rondon is just as cute as her creations

Maluhia Designs makes purses, wallets, bibs and teddy bears from darling cutsey fabric. If you are in the mood for sticky sweet visit her Etsy store!

 

Gobs of unique dresses in great prints.

Debra Weiss and her daughter Hillary of Rebe are a masters at the remix. Pretty patterns along side patchwork and un-died linen, eco-friendly fabrics and playful layers make up this terrifically crafty line!

Garage Sale Chic

click on this image for a closer look!

In the summer I scower the city for garage sales and it's rare that I would expect to find anything but my next knick-knack. A couple of weekends ago I scored some cute clothing purchases from an oh-so-typical hippie from Queen Anne. Under a mound of pilly tops, there it was, $2 for a great asian patterned tank! No pills on this one but the perfect amount of fading and stretched out cotton sung to me. I asked the girl if I could have it for $1.50 instead so that I could grab a coffee after. What an unexpected treasure. I wore it today with my F21 $2.50 tank top, seems like so much paleez, my skinny jeans, my new hooded sandals, a Tarina Tarantino wooden necklace and bracelet and hidden in the back of my closet was an old Kymio slat jacket that I ripped the shoulder pads out of. Funny how you can feel all new in something old.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Leavenworth

Last week Lil Star and I headed out of the Seattle gloomy weather with our besties and drove out east to Leavenworth. You can always count on gorgeous spring and summer sun in this  little Bavarian getaway. So, it's our first reason for why we drop in every summer.

Taking a stroll down the main street to visit one of my favorite shops Mapel has also become a summer tradition. Lil Star and I found a darling gathered top, little M found the perfect striped wrap and big M gnabbed herself a grey onesie perfect for summer fun! I couldn't resist a feathery barrette that I saw while I was at the counter gabbing with owner Staci. This boutique's lines like Veronica M and  Tulle are reason number 2 for why we like to visit this seasonal hot spot. But our shopping didn't end there.

Thankfully Erin suggested we stray from our normal path and head down a side street. Good thing we did because Lil Star found herself a skirt/tube babydoll in asian print at a brand new store called, "Magenta". This boutique was packed with fun prints and color for great prices. Now you have three reasons to visit this quirky little town!

Though we spent most of our time poolside at the Icicle Inn, (Reason number 4 to visit) talking about books we all need to read like "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo," on Tuesday we decided to take a look at one of this region's wineries.

Driving up to the authentic, charming log cabin, (if we didn't know better, we would have thought we were in the french countryside) green mountains stood behind rolling valleys with fruit trees and grape vines. "I could live here," I thought. Icicle Ridge has a fair amount of lovely vintages for every occasion and the best occasion is relaxing with a friend atop old-growth logs the size of wine barrels. And that brings us to reason number 5.. You can't get these hand-crafted, award winning wines at the grocery store, not even your local wine store, Icicle Ridge wines are only available at their winery or through their club.

There you have it 5 solid reasons to visit Leavenworth!

Today's Adelita Style Self Portrait

For last night's BBQ I took advantage of our great weather and wore a mini skirt with an ethnic print from F21, my top was an old tee with flutter sleeves that I found while cleaning out my drawers. The hooded sandals were a great purchase from Lovely People. I chose some chunky Tarina Tarantino wood hoop earrings and a bracelet with tiny amber crystals to tie into the ethnic theme. Lastly found an old Egg Magazine laying around and paged through to find a fun anime eye tutorial! Don't I look so Oneegyarugyaru who has graduated from high school, and thus become a more mature onee-san (お姉ギャル): a (literally "elder sister" but, here, "young lady"). Her style is more sophisticated.

Selena Gomez Graduates Twice

Photo from Dave Tesh

Selena Gomez, everyone's favorite Disney 'bad girl' is home-schooled due to her insane schedule; Rebelious wizard one day, mysterious pop-star the next. Tween clothing designer on Monday making a wave for the environment Tuesday. (Look it up if you don't know what I'm talkin bout.)

It's no wonder that this busy super star graduated from high school twice in one day! Let me explain, or better yet, let Selena explain. She wrote on her Facebook page: "What are the odds... Today I graduated from high school and got my diploma!!!!!

"I also filmed my graduation ceremony in the upcoming movie 'Monte Carlo'. So in a weird way I was able to experience an official graduation, LOL."

While most high school graduates are looking forward to college, this 'Wizards of Waverly Place' starlet has other projects on her mind like filming in Budapest and kicking off a tour at the end of this month with her band, Selena Gomez & the Scene, which released their debut album 'Kiss & Tell' last September. What a life; What a graduate!

Chloë's Senior Project

A few months back Chloë Bell invited me to her senior project: Fashion Through the Decades. Chloë found clothing from thrift and discount stores and styled a couple from each era. I met this sweet girl, petite and blonde with anime eyes when she needed me to style her for some alternative senior pics so, I thought it would be great to see the beginnings of what might just be this young girl's career.

The show was great! The female models catwalked on stage to model their era's outfit. The girls were followed by male partners dressed appropriately to match, then a small dance errupted from the music playing. Each couple was sharply lit and in the finale, everyone jitterbugged, hustled and twisted together as a group.

Our little stylist and producer not only put on a good fashion show, she provided the guests with hand-drawn programs and coupons were handed out from the stores where the models clothes came from! In my school of fashion, you get an A+ Chloë!!

Photos by Sean Watson. Design by Kimchee-Girl.com.

Eclipse: Of the Heart

In Eclipse, Bella is once again faced with the decision: Edward or Jacob. Don't we all feel the same feelings about what to wear? Our closet encloses a kind of Eclipse of the Heart, darkness needing to be unmasked. We too are torn by our many needs and emotions. Well turn on the light girls! At one point in Twilight's latest saga, Jacob hands Bella a hand carved charm of a wolf. When Edward sees it dangling from her delicate bracelet, he offers a crystal heart to our heroine. I say do what Bella does, she attaches the second charm to her bracelet, she wears them both. Don't make a decision, wear it all, go with your heart and let your impulsive fashionista dictate your next move...

Decisions, Decisions by Adelita Style featuring Etro bags

Dream Catcher Knit Top, $18
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse for BP. Sleeveless Plaid Shirt, $38
Wildfox The Lady is a Vamp Cut-Off Tank in Clean White, $59
Shop Vocal Brand Clothing Women's Tribal Fleur de Lis Tank Top Black, $34
WOLF PRINT T-SHIRT, 107 GBP
Wildfox Fantastic Fangs Tank Dress in Metal Black, $89
This Week | NET-A-PORTER.COM, $2,995
PATCHWORK FUR / FAUX FUR VEST - BLACK, $1,500
!iT JEANS 'Billie' Shorts, $42
Theola silk-crepe mini skirt, $220
black polina fur platform boot, $924
Hype Helen Studded Clutch, $95
Amazon.com: twilight: Jewelry, $10
Amazon.com: twilight: Jewelry, $20
Alkemie + Wolf Ring, $140
"Wolf" Cushion - Smells Like Home - Shop Departments - Strawberry and..., 105 GBP
Make your own Dream Catchers : Factory Direct Craft Blog
Fresh Foliage Vol 1 Vectors by Designfruit, $9
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack Music CD, $12
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse for BP. 'Camp Cullen' Boyfriend Tee, $30
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse for BP. 'Forever JB' V-Neck Tee, $30
Tan Suede Native American Style Boots - Vintage clothing from Rokit -...
ASOS | ASOS Faux Fur Leopard Ears Hairband at ASOS, 15 EUR
RUBI ROCKET BLOOD BARRETTE in Hair Goods at Sourpuss Clothing, $8
Crystal Bridal Accessories - Pearl and Crystal Tiara, 55 GBP
Fox-fur-trim leather bag, Etro
Twilight Bracelet
- Corners -
How to Dress Like Bella Swan from Twilight – College Fashion
edward/bella icon by cherry♥bomb
Kristen Stewart says it was 'strange' for 'Bella' to kiss 'Jacob' in...
Bat MySpace Layouts 2.0, Profiles 2.0 and Backgrounds at all4myspace
Bat Eyes Costume Glasses | TotallyCostumes
Florished swirl on Universalscrapbook - Scrapbooking Logos Sharing
Grey Wolf Paw Print Tracks - Decals Stickers
Hearts & Swirls - Fonts.com

Happy Birthday Frida! (Google's Fridarific Doodle)

Today the beautiful Frida Kahlo "is turning" 103, but she doesn't look a day over 30 thanks to Google's homage to the Mexican painter and activist. Google transformed "Self-Portrait With Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird." into a their signature doodle. Rather than her necklace of thorns, Frida has the word 'google' drapping her neck.

I have the same framed print of the portrait, the original not the google version, hanging in my family room. In fact my whole family room is dedicated to the prolific artist. Stay tuned for a home tour.

Coppélia and My Lil Star

This post is lovingly dedicated to my father,

Keith Carlyle Boyce, born February 22, 1923- June 26, 2009

Coppélia has long since been my favorite ballet. I read this comic Balanchine story while listening to Delibes many times over to Estelle. So you can imagine the joy when a letter from the Pacific Northwest Ballet came to our home addressed to my Lil Star welcoming her to the cast.

Although I do not think of my little girl as just a dancer, I knew from day one that a star was born. The first day of her life, she stretched her tiny 5 lb body out as the doctor weighed her and held her head up. Yes, held her head up from her swan-like neck. She wasn't going to be ordinary, just extraordinary. Even before she was born, Estelle would dance in the womb. There were no high kicks but gentle, graceful nudges from her arms and legs that glided through the inside of my body; Just like a ballerina.

As soon as she could walk, she would dance for our guests without hesitation. Estelle has always been and will always be a shy girl but for some reason performing provides a cacoon protecting her from the outside world. There she can be as grand as an opera singer without anyone knowing her real identity, she is protected some how.

James Moore and Mara Vinson at dress rehearsal. Photo by Kam Martin of needle+thread

On the night of the Coppélia performance, I watched the 1st and 2nd acts with delight. Rachel Foster, for me, could not have been a better choice for the precocious Swanilda and the charming Coppélia. Ms. Foster's identity is seemingly protected within her dance too. Or is it? I have had the privilege to see and speak with this rebellious ballerina and she is every bit the mischevious girl that her part portrayed. She made the audience laugh out loud and cheer for more.

Rachel Foster at dress rehearsal. Photo by Kam Martin of needle+thread

PNB Students dance at dress rehearsal. Photo by Kam Martin of needle+thread

When the 3rd act began, my mother sat beside me anxiously awaiting her granddaughter's entrance. I know that she and I both wished that my father could have been there too. I was on the edge of my seat and minutes into it the Dedication of the Bells began with the Waltz of the Golden Hours. At that moment, I discovered that my daughter and her young classmates were not budding dancers; On this special night, they had arrived! No they weren't 'en pointe' but please, they were marvelous with their display of gestures only a trained ballerina could know. Their timing was impeccable, their grace astounding and each child's personality shone in the special, very individual way they smiled.

And my Lil Star, stretched her tiny 78 lb body out and held up her swan-like neck to dance.