Carrie Hearts Lanvin Who Hearts H&M

The new Portland H&M store has been open for almost a week, but Alison Nicole and I put off going right away, at first to avoid the inevitable teenage hysteria. I understand the excitement, just don't respond well to Black Friday-esque trample-shopping crowds. Hopefully the surge has settled into a stream--we are heading to the new downtown store this afternoon. We're a day early to catch the new Lanvin hearts H&M line (is the collection even coming to Portland?), but look! Albert Elbaz never fails to thrill me, season after season, and didn't fail to again with his high-street-to-low-street-to-high-street (or whatever he said he was going for) pairing with H&M. Even if we get deprived of his line (out West we have to get crafty to get what we want some times), there are so many fan saucy dressed to get excited about. There was plenty of color on the runway, but I love best these creamy black confections punctuated with bursts of leopard and bright color, save of course for Anna Dello Russo's florescent sorbet trot down the runway.

Unforeseen Circumstances

In anticipation of Lille Boutique's next fashion show, Unforeseen Circumstances by NYC designer Teo Griscom, I am grazing through the UC site, getting my first feel for the brand and the soft, vulnerable pieces. Usually I attempt to limit my consumption of dreary blogs and lonely websites, preferring to experience solitude in person through poetry, art and nature. But something about the images and Griscom's language--not to mention the gorgeous, hand-made pieces themselves--makes me more than willing to go there with her. Plus, there's nothing like the start of a rainy winter to make a person want to hibernate in cozy sheets wearing only the softest of fabrics! Get familiar with the knits, and
RSVP quick if you want a seat at the show.

Masquerade Ball At Mt. Tabor Theater

Portland family play time again! If you've a PDX Family party pro or if this is your first time, get your tickets at TicketsWest, Mt.Tabor theater or Just People music. Dress your best and come play. We will take good care of you! (Take inspiration from Daria Werbowy's masked beauty I found in an old Vogue Paris stashed in my room.)

--

Check out my post from this year's prom (also at Mt. Tabor theater on Hawthorn) and 2009 Prom in Eugene. On December 18th, in addition to shows from Reeble Jar and host Just People, there will be live painting by Dane Eisenbart, hula hooping, stilt walking (courtesy Mr. Jasin Weiner) and Mr. Wu turning the tables.

Let The Beauty You Love Be What You Do

Let the beauty you love be what you do
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
-Rumi

 Here are some behind-the-scenes shots from a recent shoot for Sahlia's website. Coming up to Sahlia's lofty studio in the Ford building in South East is like coming home to a little tree house sanctuary. The high ceilings, exposed brick, big windows and raw edge wood all feels so natural and peaceful. I love the old picture frames she made into jewelry displays. (I'm going to try and convince her to teach me how to make them--yay x-mas presents!) I visit her as much as possible, and always leave draped more of her gorgeous jewels. She likes me to wear them out and about to give them

some freedom and fresh air.

--

The shoot was straight-forward, with just Natalie modeling, me styling and Sahlia shooting. Natalie is such a sweet, talented model to work with--not to mention hilarious and professional and all the other things a person could want! Doing her makeup was a breeze: a nude smokey eye, nude super glossy lips and summer-bronze face. Hair just took some minor tweaking to an already great cut.

--

Recently I helped Sahlia name her new pieces. The first day I came in with my notebook and scribbled up line sheets I was a little nervous, thinking I could either be right on or possibly wayyyy off. I got her a copy of the Essential Rumi (my obsession) and used my copy to come up with the names. I was led by her example of the name "Patience" for a pair of earrings (they take her forever to make, plus a lot of patience, because of how she has to sauter and meld (or whatever she does) these tiny barbells through little links interspersed along the chain. I think we finally named the earrings "With Patience"). She loved the names, and over a few days (and a bottle a few bottles of red wine) we perfected each. For a pair of braided chain earrings: "Being Woven." For small silver hoops suspend from a chain with barbell clusters: "Sky Wheel." For the triple-v necklace below, I loved the name "Birdwings" (which inspired me to post the hauntingly beautiful poem here), and Sahlia came up with "The Symmetry of Wings," which is even more descriptive. Some names, like "The Sun is Love," had no match yet in jewelry, but inspired new pieces. For us creative freakshows, it is all such a process. I'm excited to see where we all go with our work. In the meantime we just keep digging our wells--working in beautiful spaces with clear minds, vision and purpose and collaborating with talented, passionate people!

Birdsong brings relief

to my longing

I am just as ecstatic as they are,

but with nothing to say!

Please, universal soul, practice

some song, or something, through me!

--

The way of love is not

a subtle argument.

The door there

is devastation.

Birds make great sky-circles

of their freedom.

How do they learn it?

They fall, and falling,

they're given wings.

-Rumi

Sexy Savant In Portland

Friday night at Holocene, Feng-Feng Yeh of the NYC-based Savant label debuted her lingerie capsule collection--nine sexy, refreshing looks that stayed true to her avant-guard aesthetic. The line recalled her Spring 2009 collection, this time making bandeau bras, elastic caging and brocade boyshorts the central focus of the collection. Boyshorts, briefs and bloomers came with pool-blue stripes and black detailing, silver trip set against black cotton, and lavender silk Chinoiserie. Elastic bras provided cleavage and suggested a most comforting fit. Everything looked completely wearable--I mean, we're talking about the bedroom here. Anything goes! But the collection looked almost like it was ready for the street (okay, ready for the beach), with the water-loving neoprene and suggestive, but not dead-give-away coverage.

--

Alison Nicole and I stayed after the show, catching up with some of the models and checking out the neoprene and elastic fits up close. We stuck around long enough to catch a word with the adorable Yeh. I asked her why she chose Portland to debut her line. She said simply that Lille boutique approached her about a trunk and fashion show for First Friday and she liked the idea. But she enthusiastically added, "I love Portland! It has everything I love... Coincidentally my sister moved out here just two days ago, so it all just worked out."

 From top, model Kate Troedsson wears the Neoprene Sportive Bra and Cotton Organdy Night Dress. Sally Garrido-Spencer wears the Blue Stripe Elastic Halter Bra, matching boyshorts and Elastic Cage skirt with metallic buttons. Megan Hodge wears the Reversible Neoprene Bandeau Bra and Blue Stripe Applique Boyshort. Photos by Alison Nicole.

There Is A Rain For Storytelling In Candlelight

This morning I had the pleasure of watching the most fantastic hail storm. My sweet little cat and I sat side by side outside on the deck and watched little white pellets and loads of rain smash through the branches of our little forest. We've had some gorgeous fall weather, but today in honor of the rain and the cozy season, here is the poem Seasonal Event by my grandma Anita out of her book Pockets of Time.

A gray day in this land is a time

for scholars

              and lovers

when diaphanous scarves of mist

fold into the hills and wrap parched

sensitivities in an intimacy

that no highbright sun could achieve

It presages rain.

Ah, rain! On the face, in the hand--

it breaks into music on trees and stones.

It dissolves the dusts of summer

and holds in suspension a subtle

distillation of muted colorings--

the miracle of a raindrop in a gray day.

-Anita Hamm

Dressing As A Limitless State Of Mind

This is pretty cool! Tonight at Holocene: debut Spring 2011 Savant lingerie fashion show, created by New York-based Savant founder and designer Feng Feng Yeh. The show is presented by Lille Boutique, which will be hosting a Savant trunk show tomorrow, November 6. I've read about Yeh and her creative club wear designs (read: Avant-gard) in Vogue, and it's awesome we get to see the new lingerie line first. Rest assured, it won't be your typical Angel-esque bra; check out this bandage bralette for a hint of what's possible. Love the '70's pallet, thick fabircs and bold lines from this season's ready to wear
(not to mention the sweet elf ears).

Robo Boogie: 001000100101011

I don't usual post about downtown events, but this one is going to be flowing with some of the most colorful, glittery fashiony club girls in town. At least, it should be with Annie Angell (real name--we used to get in trouble together back in middle school) running the show. (Plus, I couldn't pass up posting this adorable robo flyer created by Corey Michaud.) Come out to East Chinatown Lounge to check out the DJs and all for your post First Thursday activity. More info on Annie's blog. 

Stress And Destiny

This isn't exactly hot off the press, but I want to show some appreciation for Portland's Gretchen Jones and her win on Project Runway, especially because of how up in arms the world seems to be about it! Exciting for Portland --third Portland (Portland-area, thanks Seth) winner on the show and fourth to compete! (For those who've been napping: Leanne Marshell won Season 5, Janeane Marie and Seth Aaron competed
Season 7, Seth taking the crown.) 

--

I watch zero TV (not necessarily out of principle), so I had to get all my Gretchen updates from Jezebel, where the writers took an uncharacteristically rude approach to the coverage. I brushed it off each week, figuring I was biased. (Not only hometown bias--a little white Moth Love dress by Gretchen from Francis May with a deep fluttery back has been my 95 degrees and above go-to now for two consecutive summers.) As a huge fan of "blah colors" (Gretchen's pallet choice as described by the Jezebel writer) I had no problem with her hashing out a design idea without throwing in superfluous color. The (ahem) neutrals not only stayed true to Gretchen's style, but also allowed for some true exploration of design. Some of the more interesting collections have been made from an entirely simple pallet--see Spring '11 Chloe, Stella McCartney and Francisco Costa's Calvin Klein. It is with obvious respect to the environment that designers chose less harmful dyes and chemicals. Plus, as it sounds, Mondo will have no trouble gaining deserved attention and support as he continues his career.

 My personal experience with Gretchen? She's honest, gracious and focused on what she wants.

What's not to respect?

Birdwings

Your grief for what you've lost lifts a mirror

up to where you're bravely working.

Expecting the worst, you look, and instead,

here's the joyful face you've been wanting to see.

Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes.

If it were always a fist or always stretched open,

you would be paralyzed.

Your deepest presence is in every small contracting

                                                                 and expanding,

the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated

as birdwings.

-Rumi as translated by Coleman Barks

Collective Halloween Consciousness

Happy Halloween! Now that it's the actual day of, I am too pooped to do much of anything but read and snuggle with my cat Justin. What a wild weekend! Here are a couple spooky takes submitted to Lookbook.nu (Spookbook today)--the self-titled Collective Fashion Conciousness. Knives and mask is Nadia from the Netherlands and the lovely bones is Macella from new Zealand.

 

My friends had some pretty sweet costumes too--a transformer (really transformed too), an completely silver horned creature, a mermaid, Cleopatra, Lucky the Leprechaun (his cereal is magically delicious!), a circus ring leader, a green dino, Fantasia wizard, Mickey Mouse and much more. Pretty classic, but very inventive (and homemade) interpretations on the subjects. I was Charolette...you know, from the web. Maybe I'll get some pictures up here. The best part is that Friday's Portland party spot (Howl) was full of people who would have dressed up like the bunch of
crazy weirdos we are no matter the day!

--

Stay safe tonight. Don't let those damn kids take all your candy!

As Within, So Without

 Photographer Darrien Utt had a really cool concept for this shoot... a dirty yoga concept, kind of antithesis to the clean bright Yoga Journal style. I did makeup, Jillian Rae Jewel styled, Katie Kiehl assisted Darren (top photo by Katie) and Rachel Gregg modeled. Rachel was in town covering Portland Fashion Week and on that trip decided to move here to Portland! So good to be getting another soul in the fashion scene here who's outward beauty is a total reflection of the beauty and talent of her inner self. Before hiking a mile into Forest Park to this amazing little roofless, door less stone house (how amazing is that that we have one of the largest urban forests in the country to work and play in!!), we crashed a friend's sunny apartment near 23rd and got to work on makeup.

After I perfected Rachel's striking face with Arbonne mineral powder, tons of mascara, and glossy nude (M.A.C. lipstick in Myth touched with a little clear/pink gloss), I prepped myself to smear her with "dirt." As I hovered over Rachel with M.A.C. Dipdown smeared all over my fingers, my heart pounded as if I was about to cliff jump (yes we do that kind of thing here in the Northwest), and I fretted about messing up the perfection we had created when she looked up at me and said softly, "Just trust yourself." Woom! That was all I needed. I dragged my brown, makeupy fingers across her face and...voila! It looked so good! Then it just flowed, Dipdown on her ears and her chest and some in her hair and big cat claw marks on her right cheek. I practically had to be dragged away to get us on location on time.

--

Once there I smeared real dirt (fresh from the previous day's monsoon) all over my hands and went over the "dirt" to create real texture and...well I don't want to give away anymore dirty secrets. The moment with Rachel was just so cool I wanted to share. Here we really are all students and teachers.

You Can Only Love Someone Who Sets You Free

This morning I said goodbye to my baby sister and the windy city, watched the sunrise from the plane, flew into Kansas City and found my beautiful long-time best friend Jessica waiting for me in the terminal. She said it felt like Christmas morning!  (I agreed.) She goes to school here at Rockhurst (studying to become a physical therapist) and I miss her terribly when we're away from each other. In 6th grade I spotted her from across the cafeteria (I was suuuuper awkward 6th grade... I remember thinking: "Dang, how do those girls find jeans that aren't high waters*!?") and she spotted me back and we were fast friends. (*Jessica reminded me that she had high waters too.)

--
We spent today kind of exploring Kansas City, getting a little taste of the mid-Western flair I've been missing for so long. She took me to Dean & Deluca for lunch (throwing back to the days we loved Felicity and all her glorious chunky sweaters) and through the campuses of the local universities and art museums. Then back to her cozy Audrey-esque apartment for some major studying (okay fine, me writing, and a little bit of studying) and eventually some wine. No wine or beer in Kansas Whole Foods, so at the liquor store we picked out Bohemian Highway wine. The selling point: "for people who prefer a back road to a freeway." Hmmmm....
--
So as Jessica works on her take-home test, I'm checking up on Urban Weeds to see what Lisa Warninger has been shooting around Portland. I love that Lisa gives some love to Portland street style! On a recent post, I spot Francis (top pic), wearing a Molten Moon necklace and Gypsy Hoops (both by Sahlia) vintage shrug and Lincoln Park After Dark polish. Love the breezy shots. An Urban Weeds post on me from the spring never made it on here, but here's one of the shots below. I'm also wearing Sahlia necklaces, an Anthropologie scarf (23rd birthday present from Jessica) and my favorite little booties.

New Stars In The Sky

I've been surfing around the Urban Outfitters blog a little after stumbling upon Chicago stylist Justin White, and under the Portland section I found a still from a campaign I worked on for Shwood sunglasses. Pretty cool to have some work on Urban Outfitters! As you can see, Shwoods are pretty great in the rain and shine (they also held up well on the playa). Here are some more from another recent Shwood shoot, shot on the coast by Shaun.

Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone

It's been a long day sitting in on the life of a teacher. Like I mentioned, I'm in Chicago visiting my sister Jackie, a first-year teacher through Teach for America at the all-male Urban Prep charter school. These especially high risk kids are accepted on a lottery basis and receive extra structure and support to get them on track toward college instead of incarceration. We sat outside and enjoyed the perfect fall day and graded the ominous stack of papers and tests. What a long, tedious process! Both of my parents have been teachers for their whole career and still work in education, so I am familiar with the incredible amount of work that goes into teaching... but still! Jackie's staggering work load, in combination with the family, social and economic challenges her students face, still blows my mind. In a city with more than 500 homicides so far this year and where your 3rd grade reading level determines if you have a jail bed waiting for you, young lives sit in precarious balance.

--

Saturday we went to her kids' cross country meet, where I met a few of her fellow teachers and a handful of her hilarious students. Her students simply adore her, and watching her interact with them... such a treat! "Ms. Hamm! Ms. Hamm!!! I got a A in your class huh! Did you see me run? I'm running JV this week so I'll win!" Most of them were stoked to meet me, and were shocked how similar we look: (gasp) "You really DO look all the same!" (Hmmmmm... ;) My sister Katie visited a couple weeks ago and the boys haven't stopped asking about her. It is sweet to see how much Jackie lets them into her life, and see how connected they are already.

--

To kind of decompress from the teacher day (again, don't know how she does it) I was looking around online for some Chicago fashion blogs. I came across the stylist Justin White, who writes for the Urban Outfitters blog on cool fashy happenings around the windy city. 

Russian Lovely

Here's Ekaterina Prekrasnaya looking smoking in classic cat eye. Used my favorite M.A.C. gel liner and M.A.C. Russian Red for her lips. Ekaterina was such a sweetheart to work with! She has such nice delicate features, and told her so, adding: "Well, not that you had any say in it! We should compliment your mom and dad instead." She giggled her contagious Russian giggle over that one.
--

Play Time

I'm in Chicago, hanging with my sister in her beautiful apartment up in the Andersonville neighborhood after a long adventure day, finally getting to the long overdue post about the last Bus Family trip. Here's what's up:

Jillian Rabe Bus Family. Blue Moon Diner for some grub and a photo shoot. Queen of Hearts tavern, thank you bartender Johnny Harris. Pictures from Shaun.  PBR sponsor. Some pretty peeps, very fun night. Photo shoot from Darren Utt to come (far below with cigarette and Shwoods).