Eureka! - Wall Art For The Fashionista

So this week, I had a light bulb moment.  I suddenly had an idea to create some timeless fashion prints.  I did my best to infuse my own personality and originality but I wanted them to be classic and able to be mixed and matched with other wall art so I kept it clean and simple.  Let me tell you, this was so much fun!  Hope you like them.  They are all available at www.alligatorbay.etsy.com

Cherio!

Obsession Of The Week

I confess, I am totally in love with anyone who has a huge imagination. People who march to the beat of their own drum, God bless em! I am a kindred spirit so naturally I am drawn to them like a moth to a flame.

And so....this week (drum roll please)

I present  to you one of the flyest, badest ladies on the block, Folake Funtoon.  Yup, I said it.......cause she is.

Folake Kuye Huntoon, is the talented Blogger behind StylePantry.com, she is also the Fashion Designer of WeWe Clothing, Fashion Stylist, mother of three and newly crowned CHICTOPIA influential  blogger of the year. This woman is a fearless fashionista and, her BohoChic look is all kinds of fabulous.  Let's not even talk about the hair....

Here are a some of my favorite looks by Folake.  
If I ever get into this lady's closet, there will be weeping and knashing of teeth...  I am in love with just about everything she wears.

Have a great weekend lovelies!

Cherio!

One Good Deed And Some Vintage Jewelry

vanishingvintage

When I was a little girl I remember getting one of the best gifts I have ever received from a woman who was notorious for being a grouch.  For some reason she gave a starry eyed little girl a box of vintage jewelry.  Some of them were broken but I recall being in awe of the sparkle and shine of the beads...I had died and gone to heaven.  Needless to say I was hooked ever since.

Now that I am grown, I have an even greater appreciation for vintage jewelry. I can fully appreciate the stellar craftsmanship, the fearless color palettes and unrestrained imagination that went into each piece. I just love finding one of a kind pieces that make me gasp...and trust me, I find them pretty often because I collect them. One of the things I do though, is to research and find out about the various designers in the 1930's and beyond.  It has been so very informative and inspiring to me as a designer.

Here are two of my favorite vintage jewelry designers that you may want to buy or collect:

Marcel Boucher - He was born in Paris, France where he designed for Cartier and later for his own company. Marcel Boucher is highly respected as the most imaginative designer of quality costume jewelry. His bold, meticulously executed designs is sought out by collectors from all walks of life including movie stars like Sarah Jessica Parker. Each piece is a "work of art".

sparklz

Trifari - Since the 1920s, Trifari has been one of the most respected and admired producers of costume jewelry in the United States. Trifari was Founded in the1910s by Gustavo Trifari, the Italian-immigrant son of a Napoli goldsmith, the company has designed jewelry that’s been worn by countless high-profile clients, from Mamie Eisenhower to Madonna.

.stargazervintagejewelry

Image Origin unknown

Who would have thought that one kind act from the town's grouch would bring so much joy and passion into my life for these pieces and for design as a whole...  Thanks Miss B, rest in peace.

Cherio!

2012 Olympic Style - Hit or Miss?

 Like everyone else and their pooch, I am watching the olympics.  I am thoroughly enjoying the various activities especially gymnastics, swimming and my personal favorite.......the wearing/unveiling of the many many different uniforms.  Every country has their own individual style and colors so it is truly interesting, at least for someone like me.  Here are some of the uniforms that set tongues a-wagging.  What do you think?

JAMAICA - Hey, am a little partial since I have Jamaican heritage (via my dad) but these uniforms are so fly! Big up Jamaica, nuff respect!

                                                           

Designed by Cedella Marley, daughter of the late Bob Marley,

 in corporation with PUMA

AMERICA - I am a huge Ralph Lauren fan and I think the uniforms are really beautiful in a pure classic "Americana "sense, something Ralph is best known for. There are some aspects however I could live without.......perhaps these could have a little more of an edge, after all, most of these athletes are young people.  I especially do not like that they were made in China.  Why Ralph?...why???

Designed by Ralph Lauren

Britain - I grew up in the British culture...I drank tea and drove on the left hand side of the road  sang English songs and spent money that had the queen's face on it.......  All that to say, I love you, but try as I may I can't look at this uniform without wanting to dance. The sound track from staying alive comes to my mind every time.  I'll say this much, you have to have chutzbah to wear this!  Especially the men.  Indeed.

Designed by Stella McCartney

South Korea - I really like South Korea's uniform. This is a great example of classic done in a way that captures the modern sensibility as well.  It is hard to find that balance but this is a great example of that.  Gorgeous!  

Designed by Fila

And Finally these beautiful ladies at the Olympics.  

Cherio!

Easy Breezy Eco Chic Jewelry!

I am passionate about a lot of things in the Arts but I have to say making jewelry from natural materials really gets me going.  My imagination goes into over drive every time I see a seed or a pod.  Friends and family bring me all kinds of different seeds and you'd swear they gave me the Hope diamond by the reaction it gets.  Lol, such is my love for this stuff.  Now having said that, I think I should show you a few of the pieces I designed from said seeds and other natural materials.  I am constantly integrating new ideas and elements into my design so who knows what I will think of next......