Parsons Challenge

Since returning to San Diego for the time being, I was able to finish my portfolio for Parsons the New School for Design. As a part of the portfolio submission, all applicants must complete a project called the "Parsons Challenge". This involves picking something that is overlooked and creating three pieces of art based on that concept.

Homelessness became the subject of my particular project. And this is what I came up with:

A collage reflecting the concept of home as more of a state of mind than an actual place.

This is a croquis, or fashion illustration, I created as one piece from an entire collection of garments based off of the same theme. It's comfortable and versatile enough to wear from one place to the next and everywhere in between.

I also made a scarf out of hand crocheted fabric. There is a velvet ribbon that ties at the center front of the garment. This piece is super comfy and warm! It also functions as a cushion or pillow to rest on.

A New Kind of Olde...

The wind changed and I blew into Monterey the other day only to find myself completely absorbed by the vintage and antique stores that line Lighthouse Drive. One such treasure was a place called "Pieces of Olde" where Ruby, the woman running the shop, showed me the greatest kindness by trading some of her items for a few Clover and Folly jewels. What a perfect world!

This is the shop. I even caught Ruby for a photo in front...

A document of the gorgeous little things inside...

Photo shoot with a Grecian tomb...

Black velvet jacket: vintage from Pieces of Olde, mustard sweater: from Anthropologie by Gwenevere, brick-red wool dress: Clover and Folly original, belt: vintage from Frock You Vintage in San Diego, victorian knit tights: Anthropologie, black suede ankle boots: second hand from Pluto's Closet in Monterey, headband: vintage men's bow tie, necklace: Clover and Folly original.

New Necklace made of old charms.

"Searching for Thee, Lock and Key" Necklace $85

As a necessary part of applying for the best and most expensive art school in the country (ah!), Parsons The New School for Design, I have been putting together my portfolio. This involves looking through countless photos of my work. The most note worthy of these projects is my sisters wedding ensemble. I spent 8 months making her dress, necklace, and two veils and she looked GORGEOUS!!!! I wanted to make sure of that : ) Here are some photos from the reception....

The newly weds...

Julia wanted a wrist attachment and a bustle on the dress so as the designer I willingly added these features to the simply elegant gown. Plus, this made it easier for her to dance...

I love this photo!!

This is us after the ceremony. The bridesmaids dresses were from J. Crew and had pockets!!

Congratulations Julia!

Lustful Wanderings

Since leaving San Francisco is such a difficult thing to do, I thought I'd share a few of the places I discovered and eventually become obsessed with while I was there...

First of all, Chile Pies (and ice cream)...

This place has beer floats. You may be asking yourself, what exactly is a beer float? Ever heard of a ROOT beer float? Yep, it's just like that except that this one is made with real chocolate stout AND chocolate ice cream. This is when I'm at a loss for words...

Next, Pinkies Bakery. This place is in the outskirts of the SOMA district of San Francisco, and is clearly a hidden gem needing exposure. Their cinnamon rolls are THE best. And throw in a cup of their freshly brewed-by-the-cup coffee, it's no wonder I'm hooked!

Ok, this treasure trove was thoroughly raided by yours truly for about 2 or 3 days in a row... It's called Cinderella Bakery & Cafe and they make Russian style eats and treats TO DIE FOR. I'm not kidding!

As a vegetarian, one of the several items to choose from on the menu was a traditional Russian soup called 'borsch'. It has a beet broth with cabbage and carrots plus a dollop of sour cream which is then sprinkled with dill... Oh, and it comes with two slices of their heavenly house-made russian sourdough bread.

AND, it's only $3 for a good sized bowl.

(The cross streets are Balboa and 5th Ave in the Richmond)

Get over there now. Better yet, I'll meet you there!

p.s. I should really be getting paid for this....

These are the treats... And there are many to choose from which makes things very difficult for a sweets lover like myself. The eclairs are pretty much delicious but experiment and you won't be disappointed!

A special thanks goes to Michelle for taking me around town and showing me all her favorite haunts : )

Shopping adventure!

My good friend Stephaweisen recently had a birthday so needless to say we cruised over to Anthropology on Market St in San Francisco for a shopping adventure!!

Weisen, as I like to call her, asked me to pick out a few pieces for her to try on together and I gladly accepted this challenge.

Here are some photos of our favorite looks:

Weisen loved these gray-purple wide legged pants so I had her throw on a long flowing top with a waistband to accentuate her tiny waist and give more shape to the ensemble.

Gorgeous!

I had originally imagined this outfit with the floral top on the outside of the dress, making it into more of a separate look, but Steph suggested putting the dress on over the top, and you can see what a fabulous idea this was!

Here we are posing very seriously fashionista-like for the camera.

Happy Birthday Weisen!!