Repurposed piece

Recycled materials + Quartz Crystal

$20

This combination is very dreamy to me.

I also like that the quartz resembles the shape of Africa.

October goodness!

Good morning from the stoop!! I had to blog this morning... I'm blessed with a cool, fall temperature and a large cup of Seaport... I even saw my pal Caroline drive by, she must be making a coffee pit stop. :)

Hello, October- you are just around the corner. You have much in store for me, looking forward to you. Things are going to be busy, busy next month. Busy feels good, like i'm doing something right.

There's this weekend in October-- yeah, it's going to kick so much ass. It goes like this...

It starts off Thursday, October 14th with The Merchant Soiree @ The Log On. Handmade goods, wine, & friends- perfect! This is a monthly traveling art sale... gypsy caravan, anyone? DAD- I think I found our next project, please!

Then... Friday marks the start of the Connect the Dots Fest #3, yall! Do you guys remember the magic that happened last fest? Here's a reminder brought to you by D clove. Tickets and lineup @ CtheDs.com

Saturday-- Come cure your rock and roll hangover with... MORE music and goods for sale @ the Old fair grounds off Gulf St. The Beaumont Art League hosts Bizarre Bazaar every year, always a good time. This buy, sell, trade event is not limited to handmade items... Finally, the chance to purge some vintage goodies that I've been holding on to!!

Wow. Brace yourself for an awesome weekend.

7.13.2010

A couple of new necklaces I've finished and snapped on my macbook. On the go. Good afternoon!

CASA/ Stellar Treasure

Liz, Holly, & Cam @ Calder Helping CASA

Good morning,

Lots of thoughts. Calder Helping CASA was a good experience. I learned a lot, helped raise money for a deserving cause. The heat was tough, but this was the only time we would be provided with a street closure, thanks Calder construction! I am hoping it can be an annual fundraiser and maybe next year the city will give us a permit for a road closure in the Spring. Thanks again to everyone that helped.

Now, I am focusing on developing Stellar Treasure, it's ideal because I can combine all of my main interests into one outlet. I get to do the creating, styling, and merchandising, which is what I want out of a job. Perfect! I am utilizing the remainder of the summer to build up my collection of goods. I will be using the blog as more of a log for my creative activities and methods.

Chelsey and Stellar Treasure tube.

Lucy put this photo in The Examiner for the follow up story, exciting!

Jewels of the sea

What do I possibly have in common with iconic sex symbols Rita Hayworth & Marilyn Monroe? Three words: Rose Marie Reid. This nautical beauty pictured above is a Rose Marie Reid original. RMR was an innovative swimsuit designer that ruled the fifties and early sixties. Rita & Marilyn both owned a Rose Marie suit, this boosted sales drastically. Rose was noted for designing a one piece suit without the use of buttons, she created suits to flatter every figure. Emilio Pucci even designed fabrics for some of RMR's suits in the sixties. After researching Rose Marie's labels, my suit is from the early 60's and it is in great shape! I plan to sell it online, if anyone is interested in buying it before it is listed, let me know! For further reading on Rose Marie, check out this informative bio out by Vintage Vixen.

SUMMER FEST SUMMER FEST!

It's a cloudy Saturday morning. I woke up to the sound of another tenet in the hall this morning. My first instinct was, oh my gosh what time is it- I've got to get ready for work!!? I came to and realized it's time for Summerfest!!!! Have I packed? No. I think a late start on packing will keep me travelin' light, a hard concept for me to grasp. I'm a fan of checklists, as some of you know, so as I'm recovering from last nights sangria outing I'm mapping it all out. Last year @ Summerfest, I made the decision to wear a romper- not the worst decision, but not the best. Rompers are not good for music festivals or any event that requires getting naked in portable toilet. This year I decided to keep it basic. Cut off shorts and boots are must for the weather and walking. I don't want my toes stepped on and I want to move like the speed of a cat, although with the way I feel right now... I'm more slug status. I'm going bring any crop top I can get my hands on to keep cool. If I want to wear anything jazzy it will be an accessory, jewelry can change any look without suffering the consequences from the sun. Ok- it's time to throw it all in my suitcase (my cherry red vintage luggage is my favorite to travel with) and go! This weekend is a WELL DESERVED mini vacation!!

Roll my dice

Finally... a quality evening spent with my hand drill and a glass of sangria. The picture above is a peek of a work in progress. For the earring I repurposed an old die and some spare chain from a necklace. Most of my energy has been consumed by IZ lately. Lots to do. We are organizing a block party blowout on Saturday, June 26th. There will be a dollar sale, live music, vendors, & drink specials- all to benefit CASA, rad! If things work in my favor I will set up some of my pieces to sell. We shall see!

PART II

Here is the last batch. The second photo is my favorite!! Enjoy!

Lovely Liz.

Hey guys! After a lot of studying & sorting- these are my favorite shots from the first ensemble. I'm finished with the second look also, just need to upload them after work. I am pleased with the outcome of the shoot. I thought that Elizabeth's bone structure, curves, and long mane would really suite a romantic-styled shoot- and it did! This was the vision I was trying to achieve. Everything turned out very beautiful. Thanks again to Grace, Carlo, & Liz. :) If you think these are great, just wait until you see the second set of looks we shot!!(Favorite) Hope to have them up this evening. I'll also upload these to facebook, but I'll post everything here first since this is more of my home for my works and creations etc. Whatcha think?? I LOVE it!

Repurposed

While I'm on an uploading kick ( or have the patience to sit outside to get an internet connection).... I made a new re-purposed dress the other day from an old Dick Tracy sheet, tee shirt, & elastic. It sold before I was able to post the picture- not complaining about that! I've got half of the sheet left, I may do something with it today. Whatcha think??

Sneak Peak!

Good Morning! The shoot went well this weekend :) Liz looked beautiful and Grace did a fab job with the makeup and hair, the fishtail braid really completed the look. Carlo helped out a lot with photos and muscle work. I still have a lot of photos to sort through in my extra time. I plan to have some up over the next few days. I've got a handful of pre-shoot photos for a small taste. Thanks to everyone who helped out. I'll be sure to post the final product soon! Check back.

Transitioning

Well, things have settled down from the move. The picture above is my favorite nook in my new apartment so far. Sorry for the bad quality, no time to break out the camera- the macbook had to suffice. I finally realized that I can pick up an internet connection from my stoop. YES! I still have quite a bit a left to buy/make for my new place. My shopping budget is practically non existent now. My new posts will probably be less internet drooling and more projects and goodwill finds ( when you have less money you are forced to be more creative, as I was hoping things would turn out... except the less money part). I've unpacked my ReadyMade magazines, a good read. The articles apply to me a lot more now that I am living in a smaller space- It's a magazine that helps get your brain working for all kinds of DIY projects, even fun ideas for entertaining guests, recipes, etc.

We are getting together an outdoors shoot this weekend! Elizabeth is modeling, Grace Mathis is doing makeup, and I am styling. I am very excited about our combo of collaboration. Check back next week for the finished result.

What's next?

I guess you could say I'm lumped into a category. It's the... I am a recent college graduate in a shitty economy group. I'm the President! I could have gotten a nursing degree for a larger dose of stability in my life, but I'm not wired that way. Instead, I felt like making things really challenging by getting a degree that is not very useful in Southeast Texas. Fashion Merchandising. Girl, can't you like book it to NYC and ya know, maybe hook up with some freelance designers? WAIT. Maybe you can meet the executive of WWD at a mixer and get a job styling editorials? No. After much post-graduation pondering and numerous questions of , "What's next, Larena" I believe I am making the best decision for myself. I believe moving off to a larger city at this point would be a disaster. There would be more jobs available, but also a lot more competition for a mediocre entry level position....or even a shitty retail job. I do not want to manage a Gap, no thanks. Instead, I'll hang around and pay cheaper cost of living, build up a portfolio. As negative as I may sound about the area, I think Beaumont can serve as a launch pad. So as it turns out, I do not have the dream job after college and that's okay. Early on I thought a degree secured a career and a new life, but I was not thinking realistically. I've come to terms that getting a job sometimes means you may have to create your own. I'm sure many of my fellow Lamar Alumni are right there with me.

Rambling on, I've got a lot of projects in the works. I'm going to visit several retailers today to secure spots for an upcoming fashion show. Anyone interesting in helping can msg or email me. (Especially someone looking to build up a hair and makeup portfolio!)

Time to play dress up for the day. This particular Monday calls for a pair of linen pants and an oversized hat. You can't forget a fist full of stones.

The Technicolor Dream Robe

I recently rescued this gem from my fabric tote. You see, it works out perfectly. My homebody side is coming out and a vintage/ridiculous robe complements the stage nicely. A robe collection is really a practical thing to have. Before long, I will probably resemble your crazy Aunt Martie that piles on jewelry and always has a taste for a mimosa. Now that I am set on my robe collection, I can justify buying the Kimono I have my eye on.

1000-100

Today was my first day off this week. I must say, it was pretty reflective. I went to Barnes and Noble this morning for a light breakfast and some reading. I browsed some really great books. My favorite read was 1000 Ideas by 100 Fashion Designers, very insightful! I read until about designer number thirty. It was interesting to get a lot of different perspectives. I liked reading about others creative process (mine is fucking wacky). I'll definitely be going back to pick this up on payday. I suggest it, especially for those creative funks when nothing goes right. I'm going to spend the remainder of my evening on some projects. I am starting an Etsy, finally- a home for my own handmade and vintage. Sewing more frequently at the shop has given me the final push I needed. I'll update soon.

Garden Party

Oh, how I wish I was at a garden party. This was my outfit for adventuring today. I woke up early to piddle in the sunshine a bit. I also explored old town and had a delicious lunch at Quality Cafe. The hat and skirt are a couple of my newest vintage lovelies. I floated through this Wednesday morn.

Just like honey

Lovin' this Milk and honey Muse dress.

Dress by LeMuse on Etsy.

Hello Sunshine

Here it is...my new home for ideas, inspirations, and magical finds. Stay tuned. Treats to come.