Watson's Waffle House

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Our feature photographer Sean Watson is not only a fabulous photographer he is also an accomplished cook. We often had weekend rituals of waffles and fried chicken hense the name, "Watson's Waffle House." No waffles in this fantastic meal but for a look at the man behind the camera, I asked Sean to stir up some tasty treats and we sat down to share food and thoughts. Here's what we talked about (that I can share with you any way!)

AS: You work with a lot of models on a daily basis. Who is your model of the moment?

SW: Victoria Williams, she's a doll. Creative, intuitive, and natural. We shoot almost every week.

AS: Yum! What's for dinner?

SW: Spicy Prawns served with creamy grits, braised asparagus, Grace's Soy Sauce Wings, broiled sirloin, and spiced carrots.

AS: I can see you have two loves, if you had to choose, cooking or shooting?

SW: That's not fair. As long as I can create. Hmm...I don't know. I get so much pleasure from both. Both serve people in some ways. I'll have to get back to you on that.

AS: Do you ever feed the models? Do they eat?

SW: Haha. Funny you should ask. Every now and then I do make something for them, especially if we're having a late shoot and we're getting hungry. Some eat, but rarely do they let you see them consume anything other than cigarettes, Dr. Pepper, or some horrible processed 7eleven concoction. The best I have seen is someone use a hair dryer to heat up a microwavable can of soup.

AS: I know you have an online publication called "Peer Pressure Mag" What is your next issue about?

SW: I'm in the midst of working on Part 2 of My Funny Valentine. The inspiration is the Chet Baker song by the same name. The song has this sad sort of romance to it. I love it cause it's like something you would think about someone you love. Accepting all the good and not so pleasant in a person. So the next issue is about the beauty of love found and lost and found again.

Stay tuned for waffles and a posts with Sean's great Peer Pressure Mag!

Our Herione Returns

Just as Wong Kar Wai was inspired by Hitchcock's "Vertigo,” Sean and I were inspired by Wong's "In the Mood for Love". And just as his film was an homage to his lovely leading ladies so is this short film honoring Sean’s photography and our heroine Crystal Loo's last appearance...

Crystal and her "play" lover have their final meeting in the dank underground alley's of Hong Kong. But as their game turns to reality our heroine realizes that their tryst has gone too far and Crystal flees their rendezvous to save her heart and her reputation.

contributors: Sean Watson as photographer, Crystal Loo as our heroine, Kamie Kahlo as stylist, Kimchee Girl as designer

Adelita Style 101: Transformation with Sean

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styling 101
step 1 • transformation begins with a good canvas (Crystal in this case) step 2 • wardrobe is essential, this dress is from Queen Anne Dispatch step 3 • strike a pose step 4 • Sean snaps the ultimate beauty shot!

Our feature photographer Sean Watson and I pulled this hot dress for our model Crystal Loo from Queen Anne Dispatch. (You can get there now but hurry!) Sean's studio has plenty of nooks and crannies to film great shots. This hallway created just the right amount of drama for our sexy siren!

Let's take a closer look at shot #3. In this dress shot, I think Crystal looks like a different woman. Don't you!

Contributors: Sean Watson as photographer, Kamie Kahlo as stylist, Crystal Loo as model, Kimchee-Girl for graphic design.

Today's AdelitaStyle Self Portrait

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Today is my daddy's birthday! He would have been 87. I will celebrate by taking a walk in my Juicy Couture tracksuit and Puma running shoes to Macrina bakery for a yummy red velvet cupcake and maybe I will bring home a couple of petit fours from the local market. He loved sweet things–cupcakes, cookies, and me!

Today's AdelitaStyle Self Portrait

Here's a great weekend outfit- a simple bat wing sweater over a super thin turtleneck and skinny jeans with fun boots but, something is missing... Maybe this Woven City Bag from ShopMapel would be the perfect compliment? It's on sale this weekend only for 38 bucks!

Veggie Bags at ShopMapel

I don't usually post twice in a day but the girls over at ShopMapel are having a great sale on these adorable vegan handbags!! Every day from now until Wednesday the 24th a new handbag is offered, click on a bag link to get your lucky discount. My favorite is today's discounted bag, the bronze Moto Bag from Compose. I have seen them in person and they are gorgeous. With no bunnies, cows or kittens harmed and prices that won't harm you either, you might want to grab a couple! Don't miss out on tomorrow's bag!

One Pair of Black Pumps, Endless Possibilities

Dekkori transforms your black beauties into cyber stilletos! Or flirty fringed evening wear! Or strappy harlet pumps!! Or sexy biker boots! Don't stop there–turn your favorite flip flops into must have hooded sandals. Think how happy your already brimming closet will be!

Me as Mori Girl

click on this image for a closer look. Styling by Adelita Style, Graphics by Kimchee-Girl

My current issue of the Japanese magazine Spoon features a small set of Mori Girl pictures but, the "forest girl" movement has been building momentum for over 3 years now through social net community Mixi. Here I am in the forest trying my best to layer flowing cotton with wool. A Honey and Clover Manga is waiting for me behind that tree. To achieve this look, I began with a vintage cotton slip peaking out from beneath my Zeto babydoll dress in muslin and a lavender Kensie sweater and leggings from Sucre with brown leg warmers keep me warm. The forest can be quite chilly anytime of year.

[ep_anoui] by Eva Poleschinski Goes International!

Photographer: Markus Thums, Make Up: Thomas Lorenz, Hair: Alice Retzl, Model: Madalina (Body & Soul)

Vienna-Paris-Tokyo! My facebook friend Eva Poleschinski finished a world tour with her amazing, ethereal Spring/Summer 2010 collection with international buyers and media present. The shows began with Vienna's MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK in September last year, then a special show in Paris the following month. I was thrilled to see that two weeks later, Eva was in Tokyo. When last we spoke I had recommended Japan as a strong addition to her fan base. I knew they would love her highly refined contemporary pieces as much as I do! Finally her line hits stores and comes to the public as we speak.

This S/S 2010 collection is very strongly rooted in nature and headed by mythological inspirations. Poleschinski's materials include leather on silk and straw on metal striking a harmonious balance.

Stay tuned for a sneak peak of [ep_anoui] Fall/Winter 2010/11 "A Promissing Tomorrow" presented in Paris 4th-7th march.2010- & Huge show at the VIENNA AWARDS FOR FASHION & LIFESTYLE; 15th of March in cooperation with Swarovski Crystalized & Goldwell.

The Beautiful Eva photographed by Michele Pauty

Happy Valentine's Day!

Be Mine! by Adelita Style featuring Juicy Couture accessories

Items in this set:
DIY mini MUNNY, $12
Darshini Sweater, $225
ASOS Boudoir Lace Ruffle Neon Shorts, $3.40
Dr Martens Patent Lace-Up Boots, $125
Chooka 'Hello Kitty' Rain Boot, $80

Isn't it Romantic?

click on these gorgeous images for a closer look!

Our romantic lead, Crystal Loo turns on her exotic charm once again and Sean Watson captures her haunting grace perfectly with a red gel, requested by me, in the anticipation of Valentine’s Day.

The story: Our dazzling heroine waits for her lover demurely checking her reflection, the pink light streaming into the room caressing her face, highlighting her glorious features. She is dressed in Dolce and Gabbana, a vintage necklace drapes her neck. She is ready for her suitor and he will revel in the beauty of his latest conquest. Isn’t it Romantic? Will her Valentine be worthy of her splendor?

I’ve always wanted to write a romantic Chick-Lit! Stay tuned for Part 3 of this romantic series featuring Crystal, Sean and me...

Seattle Fashion Week Launch

Last week, Sean Watson and I attended the launch party for Seattle's own Fashion Week at Ibiza in Pioneer Square. I was excited to see what the Emerald City's fashion scene was all about. I felt fortunate to be included on the guest list among this city’s glitterati. I was thrilled to take a glance at some of the industries new talent and I had anticipated a great show to match the sweet charm of it's founder Gabriel Choy. Unfortunately the show did not match the glowing personalities and chic style of it's producers and I am taking a big swallow before posting. This was an event consisting of a few minutes of a breast cancer survivor film (which was the bulk of the show), a talented songstress, and TWO outfits that came down the catwalk.

Let's begin with the short video. Although I commend the organizers for incorporating a very valuable cause into their very kind agenda of raising awareness of new designers, I must recommend that they leave any short films with illness as the subject matter out of the show in the weeks to come. By all means, print it on your collateral, mention it on your blog but, don't have it dominate the show! It was simply put, a downer.

The singer, dressed in an outfit from a local store, was good at what she does and I will say she was the most entertaining part of the night. So, thumbs up to her but next time maybe she should dress herself.

Now let me talk about the actual fashion show. (And folks this is difficult for me, really painful.) I understand that this was a sort of "sneak peek" but TWO outfits! Why not none? It would have been better for a multitude of reasons.

The first outfit came and went... down the runway and through my mind. You know, like when someone says something and you just space out. I have no idea the color, the shape. Was it a dress? A suit? It just wasn't memorable. The second and last outfit however, was.

The designer belabored over her eco-friendly outfit but to no avail. A huge collar on a half jacket with hand knit sleeves and a patchwork or felted pattern made out of possibly some sort of heavy, heavy wool in red and brown with black lining ate the model's neck and shoulders. Under the jacket a faux leather shirt or vest that laced up the front at a diagonal in silver and beige stiffly boxed out the model's waist. And the skirt again from some sort of heavy wool with horizontal striped seams and squiggley stitching at the bottom which met up with another set of patchwork mess on the hem pushed out the sides of the model's body in white and red and brown. This designer worked hard, really really hard. Much, much too hard. I can see that this woman has skills but I don't need to see every skill in one unwearable outfit. Next time show us one skill per garment. You are talented, too talented!

Lastly, kudos to the people attending. They were fabulous and they are the visual Sean and I chose to focus on. Sometimes the people behind the scenes, the people attending are the real stars. To the organizers – it's not easy to put together an event much less a string of them but you need to do better next time. I don't want to know that this is your second job, your night time project or your fun past time. Do it well, not mildly! Although this was a disappointment, I have faith and can’t wait to see what’s next.

Alexander McQueen Dies at 40

Daphne Guinness sports Alexander McQueen's amazing Spring 2010 goat shoes.

Bryant Park continues with Fashion Week as fashion legend Lee Alexander McQueen is found dead in London at 40. Grief stricken McQueen wrote of his mother's death only last week. Fame cannot obscure the desolation that someone feels when a family member dies. I know first hand that nothing will make it better but, hopefully we move on with memories to comfort the hole in our hearts that can NEVER be filled. Mr. McQueen was overtaken and so sadly submitted.

On his website a few hours later in all caps, "On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family... Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this."

"Just like everyone else in the industry, I'm shocked. What goes on in the minds of these creative geniuses we'll never know. " - Fern Mallis

"Very saddened for the loss of an amazing talent. It saddens me." - Patrick McDonald

"Anna Wintour stormed out of BCBG when she got the news, much to the shock of the fashionable crowd... I'm at Richard Chai. As I leave an editorial assistant is groaning about having to tweet. I get a text saying "Alexander McQueen has died" .... I check for info, his death is trending, as I go into blogger mode, rushing out of the tents. No one knows. Everyone is casual.

I'm in shock ... awe ... processing. He hanged himself. I call the one friend who's met him at a panel discussion. Trying to gauge who would kill themselves and why? The fashion maven who launched his career, Isabella Blow, poisoned herself with weed killer in 2007. McQueen's mother died a few days ago. He now joins her.

I'm at Bryant Park, they have tweets on an Amex Board, It's about an hour late, because they're fine tuning the technology, there is no mention of McQueen's death. The world still doesn't know. The news broke in a no man's land of info. KCD has canceled the presentation of his contemporary line and it seems that this season we not only bid farewell to a last season in the park, but one of the designers who inspired a generation, awed the press and shouted from the hilltops of London and Paris that fashion is art, culture, whimsy and can be commercial. All at the same time.

One of a handful of designers who can claim to have enchanted us. Even though many designers before him live streamed their shows, he was the first to make it work and caused us to tune in. This season many have followed suit.

Much like the sudden and shrouded death of Heath Ledger we are left grappling, trying to understand what loneliness needs to overcome; so that someone this amazing would need to take their own life. Outside looking in. Lee Alexander McQueen had it all, yet he clearly didn't agree."- Alex Geana of The Huffington Post

Super Cute Sticker Maker

Just ordered these from PuriCute!

Slave to Fashion

Yet another reason to love Sean! He sent me this hilarious video of a friend of his. Enjoy!!

Another Scary Outfit

I sat in the corner of the Crocodile among maudlin faces and took pictures. I felt pretty harmless but somehow I got the impression that I was not welcome. Did the room full of Democrats sense my political neutrality? Did they smell my undying love of fashion from their upturned noses? Did their dirty sneakers and awful loafers judge my pointy-toed phat lace up boots? Who knows! Sure a few familiar faces greeted me with warm hugs and sparkling conversation. It was the strangers that slowly backed away as I tried to start an informal tête-à-tête. I live in a climate that forces you in for months at a time! People in Seattle tend to distrust an animal such as myself. I did not grow up here. I grew up in the sun, which forces you out all the time. My comfortability actual makes people uncomfortable. My happy disposition is a certain sign of alien being. My lack of malaise is a perfect breeding ground for distrust. But the real clincher? My clothes! I wore a peculiar vintage crocheted halter under a fearfully alluring Sharon Segal burnout dress, a lace cardigan deceptively draped my shoulders. My Kensie boots screamed, “fashionista!” No wonder. The whole outfit was a dead give-away, especially the very politically incorrect peacock earrings; this odd pairing was certain to breed an environment of unease. I can’t wait for my next unsettling outfit. Can you?

My dreaded boots! Who let this caged animal out?!


Manami adorning some darling Mary Janes. She must be a spy!

Just the right amount of "worn-in" boots. Something is terribly wrong.

Dana's fantastic Emo pants and rocker booties.
This woman is a threat to society!

Blancs De Blancs Wellies

Another great night with my bestie Dana and my hubbie D. This mid-January party out on the docks called for some sparkling Sophia in a can and plenty of Wellies. Hostesses Dana and Cynara made sure the girls were dressed to impress by holding a contest for best dressed wellies. I participated, of course, but not as much as the winner. She wore a cute hot pink sequined mini from Forever21 and scrumptious silver rain boots! Cynara showed up in extra shiny black ones, and I sported my little boy brown and black slickers paired with a gold accented cheetah print poncho from Betsey Johnson!

Focus on Photographer: Sean Watson and Model Crystal Loo

The talented photographer Sean Watson showed me a beautiful photo of a model the other day and I said I HAD to work with her. So he booked her for this test shoot. The theme was "In the Mood for Love" a Wong Kar Wai movie. I felt it was the perfect scenario for our romantic lead, Crystal Loo. For these shots she is wearing an elegant Dolce & Gabbana dress with Christian Louboutin patent purple pumps and a vintage necklace of mine. I spiraled her hair and then gently put it up in a chignon for a more sentimental look. The backdrop is Sean's studio loft where he sleeps. It doubles as a changing room for models as I transition them from look to look. Stay tuned for more photos of Crystal and a whole month of our feature photographer Sean Watson!